Israeli team triggers extra security at cycling’s Euro champs

Security at next month’s European Road Cycling Championships in France will be strengthened due to the presence of an Israeli team, organisers said on Tuesday.

The October 1-5 event comes a fortnight after pro-Palestinian demonstrators, fired up by the presence of the Israel Premier Tech team, disrupted the Vuelta a Espana.

Around 100,000 people took part in demonstrations on the final day of one of the sport’s three big stage races in Spain, causing chaos with the stage shortened and the winner crowned in a hotel car park.

“What the Vuelta revealed is the scale that this phenomenon can reach when seeking at all costs to block an event,” French cycling federation chief Michel Callot told AFP and L’Equipe at the world championships in Rwanda.

“This means we will be strengthening cooperation with state services and to coordinate with them on anything they deem necessary so that the riders can race in complete safety,” Callot said.

Israel has submitted a 13-strong team for the European Championships in the Drome-Ardeche region.

Callot added: “The time trials are not affected, only the three road races for men.

“From a security standpoint, this is a crucial point because time trials, where everyone knows when an athlete will arrive, are particularly challenging to secure.

“This is a relief for me as an organiser.”

While Callot would not be drawn on the precise security measures planned, he said the security of the Israeli delegation away from the event “falls outside” his federation’s aegis.

“For European or World Championships, the organiser doesn’t house the teams. It’s up to the nations themselves,” he explained.

Tackled on the presence of an Israeli team at the event, Callot insisted that was nothing to do with the French federation.

“We adhere to legal standards. The Israeli Federation is a member of the UCI (International Cycling Union) and the European Cycling Union.

“This gives them the unequivocal right to participate. It is our responsibility to respect this rule.

“The UCI has made it very clear that it does not want to engage in the politicisation of sport, drawing on the position advocated by the IOC (International Olympic Committee).”

The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 Israelis, mostly civilians, according to official data.

Israeli military operations since then have killed 65,344 Palestinians, mostly civilians, says the Hamas-run health ministry, figures the UN considers reliable.