Israel-Premier Tech to race as 'IPT' in Canada due to protest concerns
Israel-Premier Tech has requested to race under the abbreviation IPT instead of their full team name during the upcoming WorldTour races in Canada, the GP de Québec and GP de Montréal.
The team made this request to the event organisers due to expected demonstrations against their presence in the races amid Israel's ongoing invasion of Gaza.
Joseph Limare, the general director of GPCQM, confirmed this during a press conference in preparation for the Canadian races. "This request came directly from the team," he said. "They asked us to remove the name 'Israel' from all expressions around the circuit. They will also be racing in a different kit during our events."
This move follows a similar precaution taken by Israel-Premier Tech at the Vuelta a España, where the team removed the word 'Israel' from their kit due to protests against their presence in the race in light of Israel’s invasion of Gaza. The decision was prompted by ongoing demonstrations, which have led to the shortening of three stages, including Thursday's stage 18 time trial in Valladolid.
With protests expected during the Canadian races, local authorities in Québec are preparing for potential disruptions. Mayor Bruno Marchand confirmed that he is in close contact with police and security services to manage the situation. "These individuals have the right to express themselves regarding the political situation," Marchand said.
Despite these concerns, both the GP de Québec and GP de Montréal are expected to proceed as planned, though the political tensions surrounding the Israel-Premier Tech team's participation will remain in the background.
