"We find it extremely regrettable that threats of violence have disrupted our sport" - Israel - Premier Tech react to Giro dell'Emilia removal

Israel - Premier Tech's presence in pro cycling have been causing issues to the pro peloton throughout the year but this has reached unforeseen heights at the Vuelta a España where on many occasions the race was disrupted due to protests on the road. For the first time this season the Israeli team has been banned from competing, at the Giro dell'Emilia, and it has now reacted.

There were threats of protests in Bologna looking to mimic those seen in Spain throughout the past month. There, three stages were neutralized or outright cancelled, protestors caused crashes and riders were pushed into altercations over road blocks. It was an unseen set of situations in modern cycling, but the pressure has built up significantly since, with the soon-to-be World Tour team having to make a choice.

Next year the Tour de France's Grand Depart organizers in Barcelona and the Canary Islands' government have called for the removal of the team from its races if it continues having the Israeli flag and title in its name, whilst even the main sponsors within the team have made it very clear that continuation depends on a complete rebrand of the team.

However racing wise, the team hadn't actually suffered any consequences, until now. Race director Adriano Amici had said at first that the race could not make the decision to remove the team and that this was up to the UCI - who would not act either - but the situation was reversed. A non-World Tour race, it also proved to be less of a logistical challenge.

"Israel – Premier Tech has been informed that our invitation to the Giro dell’Emilia has been withdrawn. The organizers have cited security concerns linked to planned protests that threatened to disrupt the race," the team wrote in response to Cyclingnews.

With the race taking place in a circuit format and the narrow streets of the climb to the Madona di San Luca being vulnerable to protests, there would be no way to assure safety for the riders. But most likely, an agreement between the two saw the team pull out. "We find it extremely regrettable that threats of violence have disrupted our sport. We wish the organisers a successful race."