The Protests Against Israel-Premier Tech Worked | Defector

"One month after mass protests against the presence of the Israel-Premier Tech team at the Vuelta a España brought the race to its knees, the rest of the cycling world has picked up where Spanish protestors left off. It is impossible to rule the protests as anything other than a categorical success, as sponsors are fleeing, the team is changing its identity, and riders are doing everything they can to leave the team. The protests functionally ended IPT's season."

"The day after the Vuelta ended, a number of Spanish polities made it clear that they would follow the protestors' lead and refuse to let IPT race. The 2026 Vuelta was rumored to finish with three stages in the Canary Islands, though Antonio Morales, President of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, told AS, "I have to say with absolute conviction that if Israel is participating, then no. Gran Canaria is not willing to whitewash genocide and Israel's actions through sport or any other means.""

"The next day, several Barcelona politicians also spoke to AS and echoed Morales. Barcelona is set to host the Grand Depart for the 2026 Tour de France, which is a significantly bigger deal than the Vuelta. "We cannot allow a team representing a genocidal state to parade through Barcelona," said former deputy mayor Janet Sanz. "We demand their expulsion from next year's Tour." If IPT's problems were limited to races in Spain, it would make the team's time in the WorldTour next season difficult but not impossible."

Mass protests at the Vuelta a España disrupted the race and precipitated a broader backlash against Israel-Premier Tech. Sponsors began to withdraw, the team initiated identity changes, and riders sought exits, effectively ending the team's season. Spanish regional authorities and politicians signaled refusals to host the team, with Gran Canaria and Barcelona officials explicitly opposing IPT participation in future races including the 2026 Tour de France Grand Depart. Race organizers beyond Spain rescinded invitations after local protest threats, demonstrating that IPT's problems extend across national borders and imperil the team's place on the WorldTour calendar.

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