Israel-Premier Tech pledged to continue racing at the Vuelta a Espana after pro-Palestinian protests disrupted stage 11 in Bilbao and left no winner declared. The team was also targeted during a team time-trial earlier in the race amid suggestions some peloton members wanted the team to withdraw. The team affirmed commitment to racing and argued that any withdrawal would set a dangerous precedent for all teams. The team expressed respect for the right to protest provided demonstrations remain peaceful and do not endanger the peloton. The team thanked race organisers, police, the UCI, fellow teams, riders and fans for their support.
As such, the team remains committed to racing on at the Vuelta a Espana. Any other course of action sets a dangerous precedent in the sport of cycling, not only for IsraelPremier Tech, but for all teams. IsraelPremier Tech has repeatedly expressed its respect for everyones' right to protest, as long as those protests remain peaceful and do not compromise the safety of the peloton.
However, the behaviour of protestors in Bilbao today was not only dangerous, but counterproductive to their cause and deprived the Basque cycling fans, some of the best cycling fans in the world, of the stage finish they deserved. We thank the race organisers and UCI for their continued support and cooperation, as well as the teams and riders that have expressed their support both publicly and privately and, of course, our fans.
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