Protesters disrupt Kiwi cyclists’ Israeli team at La Vuelta
New Zealand cyclist George Bennett and his Israel–Premier Tech teammates were forced to a halt during the fifth stage of the prestigious Vuelta a España after protesters blocked the road waving Palestinian flags.
George Bennett
The incident occurred during the 24.1 km team time trial in Figueres, Spain, when half of the Israel–Premier Tech riders were brought to a complete stop. The disruption cost the team precious seconds, and they eventually finished 19th — 54 seconds behind stage winners UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
The protest not only interrupted the competition but also raised serious safety concerns. In a statement, Israel–Premier Tech condemned the demonstration:
“Israel-Premier Tech respects everyone’s right to freedom of speech, which includes the right to protest peacefully, but we absolutely condemn the dangerous acts of the protesters. These actions compromised the safety of our riders, race personnel and even the protesters themselves.”
The team added that they are working closely with organisers and authorities to ensure rider safety for the remainder of the race.
While team time trials are rare in modern Grand Tours, the format has returned this year, with each team’s time recorded as the fourth rider crossed the line. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) reclaimed the overall lead after finishing second on the stage, while Bennett currently sits 144th overall.
The incident has sparked criticism of attempts to use international sporting events as platforms for political protest, with concerns that athletes’ safety and competition integrity are being placed at risk.
