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Spanish FM backs dropping Israeli team from cycling race after pro-Palestinian protests

Saturday, 06 September 2025 6:25 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 06 September 2025 6:25 AM ]

Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares (File photo)

Spain’s foreign minister has backed calls to exclude an Israeli cycling team from an ongoing race following pro-Palestinian protests.

Jose Manuel Albares declared his approval of the expulsion of Israel–Premier Tech from the 2025 Vuelta a Espana on Wednesday.

His remarks came amid repeated protests that have disrupted the race, including the cancellation of stage 11 in Bilbao. Earlier, protesters also blocked the team’s participation in the stage 5 time trial in Figueres.

Speaking on Radio Nacional de Espana (RNE), Albares confirmed his discomfort with the team’s continued participation, stressing that while he would favor its removal, the decision ultimately rests with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the sport’s governing body.

However, He underlined that the Spanish government does not control the matter, as the UCI is solely responsible for determining eligibility.

The minister also emphasized that Spain could not continue its relations with the Israeli regime under normal circumstances, adding that the international community must send a clear message to Israel in response to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Political pressure within Spain has also intensified. During the opening week of the Vuelta, the left-wing party Izquierda Unida publicly urged organizers to exclude Israel–Premier Tech, citing Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza as grounds for disqualification.

Vuelta technical director Kiko Garcia later echoed similar concerns, warning that the team’s presence increased the likelihood of further demonstrations.

He suggested either a voluntary withdrawal by the team or intervention from the UCI to safeguard the race.

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The protests surrounding the cycling event form part of Spain’s broader policy shift toward Israel in recent years.

In May 2025, Madrid called on the international community to impose sanctions and embargoes against Israel in an effort to halt the genocide in Gaza, where at least 64,300 Palestinians have been killed.

In May 2024, Spain, alongside Ireland and Norway, formally recognized the State of Palestine.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described this decision as both a moral responsibility and a commitment to peace, justice, and international law.

Spain has also urged the European Union to reconsider the EU–Israel Association Agreement, saying that Israel’s assault on Gaza breached the agreement’s human rights clause.

Officials warned that failure to act would undermine the EU’s credibility on human rights.

The Spanish government has taken additional measures, including suspending arms export licenses to Israel since November 2023, citing concerns that military sales could contribute to violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza.

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