Despite disruptions from anti-Israel protesters at the Vuelta a España cycling race, Israel–Premier Tech continued competing, with one member of the team claiming the Best Young Rider jersey.
The final stage of the race in Madrid on Sunday was abandoned after hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters tore down barriers, clashed with police and forced riders off course.
“In the face of considerable adversity, our riders focused on their race, producing one of the best Grand Tours in our team’s history,” IPT owner Sylvan Adams told JNS.
“This marks our second top-five performance [for a rider in the general classification] at a Grand Tour this season, reflecting the team’s growth in the right direction. A top-five finish, a jersey win and four podiums [in various stages of the race] are outstanding results that virtually ensure our return to the WorldTour next season. I’m very proud of this team,” he added.
IPT rider Matthew Riccitello made history on Saturday by securing the Best Young Rider title, receiving the white jersey—a first in the team’s history.
“Coming into the Vuelta, I didn’t know what to expect. To finish fifth overall and take the white jersey feels incredible. It’s not just my result—it belongs to the whole team, who supported me every day despite everything we faced,” Riccitello told JNS.
He described the competition as “probably the most challenging race any of us have done,” adding that the adversity forced the team to stay focused and united, which ultimately made them stronger.
Riccitello said the experience gave him “huge confidence,” and he now believes that with steady improvement, he could one day fight for a Grand Tour podium or even a win. “But whatever happens, I’ll never forget this race,” he added.
Adams described the incidents as “deeply regrettable,” noting that while peaceful protest is a legitimate form of expression, the past three weeks showed that violence directed at cycling cannot be tolerated. He also thanked the race organizers and police for supporting the team throughout the event.
Israeli rider Nadav Raisberg recounted the team’s ordeal, describing the fear and hostility they faced.
“We sat on the bus before the start with crushed faces, weighed down by the question: What’s waiting for us today? Will they hurt us? Ambush us? Any crazy person could finish you off. We were afraid—I won’t lie. We even thought about leaving,” Raisberg told JNS.
“But then, as if by magic, the record flipped. We told ourselves that’s exactly what they wanted—for us to leave, to vanish. We wouldn’t give them that. We wouldn’t let them win,” he said.
Last week, IPT modified its uniforms to remove the team name in an effort to reduce risks. Raisberg acknowledged criticism from some supporters back home but defended the decision following violent scenes in Bilbao, where thousands attempted to storm the course.
“It’s easy to talk from the couch at home. But we were the ones being spat at and cursed. If there was a way to reduce the danger even slightly, then it was the right call. And it came from people who are as proud of this country as anyone,” Raisberg said.
Despite the hostility, he stressed they also received encouragement. “Riders from other teams told me, ‘We’re with you,’ and ‘Don’t give in and leave the race.’ For every hate message I got, there were ten messages of support. I leave feeling stronger—both as a person and as a rider.”
On Sunday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told a Socialist Party rally in Malaga that he felt “pride” over the demonstrations, including those targeting IPT, saying Spaniards were mobilizing “for just causes like Palestine.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar denounced Sánchez as a “disgrace,” noting that the Spanish leader had previously said he regretted not having “an atomic bomb to stop Israel” and was now encouraging demonstrators who “wrecked” an event once considered a national jewel.
