Israel-Premier Tech have opted to remove their full team name from riders’ jerseys for the remainder of the Vuelta a España after pro-Palestinian demonstrations disrupted the race. The team will now compete in monogram-branded kit, a move designed to prioritise safety after multiple incidents targeting their riders.
The decision came following stage 11, which ended prematurely when protesters blocked the finish in Bilbao, forcing organisers to neutralise the result. Police struggled to contain large groups waving Palestinian flags, creating a chaotic and unsafe environment for the peloton. Earlier in the week, the team had also been stopped during the opening team time trial by demonstrators along the route in Figueres.
In a statement, the team explained that the kit change aligns with branding already used on its vehicles and casual wear, while underlining that the official name remains unchanged. They emphasised their commitment to completing the race, stressing they respected the right to peaceful protest but would not compromise on rider safety.
The move sparked strong reactions, with Israel’s prime minister publicly praising the team for standing firm in difficult circumstances. Meanwhile, the Professional Cyclists’ Association reiterated calls for organisers to enhance security measures to ensure the safety of riders across the peloton.
On the road, Saturday’s stage 14 delivered drama of a different kind. Spain’s Marc Soler thrilled home fans with a blistering solo attack on the decisive climb to La Farrapona, breaking clear to take a memorable victory. Jonas Vingegaard consolidated his lead in the general classification with a strong second-place finish, while João Almeida stayed close behind in the battle for the red jersey. Britain’s Tom Pidcock finished eighth, holding on to third overall despite losing further time.
The race continues with Sunday’s 167.8km stage from Vegadeo to Monforte de Lemos, as Vingegaard seeks to tighten his grip on the lead. Elsewhere, Remco Evenepoel surged to victory on stage five of the Tour of Britain, outpacing British rivals in a sprint finish to move within two seconds of the overall lead. With one stage remaining, he has his sights firmly set on the general classification crown.
