Israel Premier Tech endured another tough stage at the Vuelta a España on Thursday, finishing well behind the podium contenders. But after a turbulent day marked by political protests the day before, the team said it finally felt a sense of relief.
On Wednesday, pro-Palestinian demonstrators lined the route into Bilbao during Stage 11, prompting organizers to cut the race three kilometers short over safety concerns. Riders reported hostility throughout the tour, including one incident when protesters entered the course and blocked their path.
Thursday’s stage from Laredo to Los Corrales de Buelna told a different story. Along the 145-kilometer (90-mile) route, fans waved Israeli flags and carried signs of support — some written in Hebrew. Others approached the team bus to offer encouragement after the scenes in the Basque Country. The team also received an outpouring of support online.
Event director Kiko García said he had urged the Israeli squad’s managers to consider withdrawing from the race to avoid endangering other participants, but the proposal was immediately rejected.
Israeli rider Nadav Raisberg said the change in atmosphere was palpable. “At the start, we still saw the presence of pro-Palestinians, but the further we got from Bilbao, the less there were. Then suddenly we saw a few Israeli flags, and it made me feel so good — like we could finally race with a clear head,” he said.
“Personally, I felt I was myself again. I’m glad we insisted on staying in the race. They won’t erase us from the sporting map — not here, not anywhere.”