Racing continues from stage 12 of the Vuelta a España, a day after demonstrations supporting Palestine disrupted the competition in Bilbao.
Vuelta a España 2025: Israel-Premier Tech Perseveres Amid Protests
The 2025 Vuelta a España is currently underway, with the riders having 130km left until the finish in Los Corrales de Buelna. The race, which started on Thursday from Laredo, has been marked by protests, particularly against the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team.
Despite the protests, the team, led by sporting director Óscar Guerrero, has decided to continue in the race. Guerrero expressed concerns that some teams might prefer Israel-PremierTech not to participate, but he reiterated the team's stance that they would continue in the race and that protests should be peaceful.
The team experienced some challenges during Stage 11. On certain climbs, Guerrero deliberately took the team car off route due to fears of aggression. The riders also faced insulting gestures on the very last climb. However, they were not presented on stage during the start of the race.
Pro-Palestine protests occurred in Laredo, but racing got underway as normal. Some 100 supporters chanted for over an hour in support of the expulsion of Israel-Premier Tech from the Vuelta. Police kept a close watch on both sides of the roads during the race to ensure safety.
The only significant incident of aggression occurred at the finish of Stage 11, which was described as very scary and dangerous. Details about Israel-PremierTech's exact position in the overall general classification after Stage 12 are not provided in the available information, but their rider Riccitello was noted to be in sixth place overall at one point.
Stage 12's opening phase of racing has continued without interruption. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) started stage 12 as the race leader in red. João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Tom Pidcock (Q36.5) currently occupy the podium spots.
The Vuelta a España started on Thursday from Laredo and, despite the challenges, Israel-PremierTech continues to race. Guerrero emphasized the impact on the team's riders, their contracts, families, and the 180 employees if they were to quit the race. As the race progresses, it remains to be seen how the team will fare amidst the ongoing protests.
