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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
The Associated Press

Top minister calls for Israeli team to be kicked out of major cycling race

  • Spain's foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, stated he would support the expulsion of the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team from the Vuelta a España following a pro-Palestinian protest.
  • The protest during stage 11 in Bilbao led to the stage being called off approximately 10 kilometres from the finish, with protestors carrying Palestinian flags and signs.
  • Vuelta organisers condemned the disruption, while also affirming the right to peaceful demonstration, but stressed that acts endangering participants were unacceptable.
  • Despite suggestions from the Vuelta's technical director that the Israeli team should consider withdrawing for safety, Israel-Premier Tech affirmed they would not pull out, citing a dangerous precedent.
  • The UCI, cycling's governing body, condemned the incident, emphasising cycling's role in unity and its unsuitability as a tool for punishment.

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