Sun Sep 28 04:59:09 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Italian Cycling Race Bans Israeli Team Citing Security Concerns Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests**
BOLOGNA, Italy – The Israel-Premier Tech cycling team has been barred from participating in the upcoming Giro dell’Emilia race due to growing concerns over potential disruptions by pro-Palestinian protestors. Race organizer Adriano Amici cited public safety as the primary reason for the decision, pointing to recent protests at the Vuelta a Espana where demonstrators attempted to block the team’s participation, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the final stage.
“It is with regret that, following recent events and given the characteristics of the final circuit, for the safety of all athletes, technical staff, and spectators, I have had to forgo the participation of the Team this year,” Amici said. He further explained that the race’s multiple circuits through Bologna, a city known for its student population and left-leaning politics, presented a high risk of disruption.
The decision comes amid escalating calls for Israel’s exclusion from international sporting and cultural events in response to its ongoing military actions in Gaza, which the United Nations has described as a potential “genocide.”
Bologna’s local government, controlled by the center-left Democratic Party, supported the exclusion, condemning the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. Sports councillor Roberta Li Calzi stated that allowing a team linked to the Israeli government would be “hypocritical” given the current situation.
The exclusion from the Giro dell’Emilia is just one example of the growing pressure on Israel. UEFA, European football’s governing body, is reportedly considering suspending Israel’s national team from its competitions, and discussions are underway regarding Israel’s potential exclusion from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.
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