Israeli cycling team forced to change name amid public protests

The team, formerly known as Israel Premier Tech, announced that it will henceforth compete under the abbreviation IPT.

According to a report by Sputnik, the name “Israel” has also been removed from the team’s official kit and equipment.

Joseph Limar, head of the organizing committee for the Québec and Montréal cycling races in Canada, stated that the team’s representatives had formally requested the removal of the word “Israel” from all promotional materials and signage along the race route. He confirmed that the team will appear in upcoming events with redesigned jerseys.

These changes come amid rising public pressure. The group Cyclists for Palestine had previously launched an online campaign demanding the exclusion of the Israeli team from Canadian races.

Similar protests occurred in Spain. During stage 11 of the Vuelta a España, demonstrators forced the race to a halt with 3 kilometers remaining, and no winner was declared for that stage. Technical director Kiko García stated that the Israeli team should have been excluded for safety reasons, though the team refused to withdraw.

Further protests, including the waving of Palestinian flags, led to stage 16 being stopped before the finish and stage 18 being shortened from 27.2 km to 12.2 km.

Mounting social and political pressure at both local and international levels ultimately compelled the team’s management to change its name and symbols in an effort to reduce tensions, while still insisting on continuing to compete.