UCI 'condemns' protests that led to neutralisation of Vuelta stage

In a statement on Wednesday evening, the UCI said that it “firmly condemns the actions” that led to the neutralisation of the stage, and it affirmed its “commitment to the political neutrality,” which it said was in line with “the principles of the Olympic Movement.”

Israel-Premier Tech’s participation in the Vuelta has been the subject of protests throughout the race, with several political parties in Spain calling for their exclusion due to Israel’s ongoing invasion of Gaza. Israel-Premier Tech is owned by Canadian businessman Sylvan Adams and does not have direct ties to the Israeli state.

The Vuelta organisation has repeatedly pointed out that excluding Israel-Premier Tech is not in their gift as the team automatically qualified for the race as a member of the UCI WorldTour. 

Speaking after Wednesday’s truncated stage, Vuelta technical director Kiko García suggested that Israel-Premier Tech’s withdrawal from the race could ensure the safety of the riders amid repeated protests against their participation.

“We know that if there are no reactions or there are no changes in any way, then the protests will continue,” García said. “As we've said, we have no choice but to follow the rules.

Spanish radio station COPE reported on Wednesday evening that Israel-Premier Tech have decided to continue in the Vuelta. It is understood that owner Sylvan Adams was present in Bilbao.

Shortly afterwards, the UCI issued a statement on the disruption at the Vuelta.

“The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) firmly condemns the actions that led to the neutralisation of the 11th stage of La Vuelta Ciclista a España,” read the statement.

“The UCI reiterates the fundamental importance of the political neutrality of sports organisations within the Olympic Movement, as well as the unifying and pacifying role of sport. Major international sporting events embody a spirit of unity and dialogue, transcending differences and divisions.

“In this sense, the UCI reaffirms its commitment to the political neutrality, independence, and autonomy of sport, in accordance with the founding principles of the Olympic Movement.”

The UCI statement continued to say that cycling had “role to play in bringing people together,” adding that it expressed “solidarity and support for the teams and their staff as well as the riders, who should be able to practice their profession and pursue their passion in optimal conditions of safety and serenity.”

In 2022, the UCI barred Gazprom and the Russian and Belarusian national teams from participation in international racing in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Demonstrations against Israel-Premier Tech’s presence in international races have intensified in 2025, with human rights protests spilling onto the course at all three Grand Tours. According to Gaza health authorities and the United Nations, more than 58,000 people, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel invaded Gaza in 2023 response to the October 7 terrorist attacks, which killed more than 700 people.