The claim that Israel’s cycling team has been banned from the race in Bologna, Italy is true because multiple independent and reliable sources confirm that the Israel-Premier Tech team was excluded from the Giro dell'Emilia race due to safety concerns related to potential pro-Palestinian protests and disruptions.
True
Israel’s cycling team has been banned from the race in Bologna, Italy.
Israel–Premier Tech Cycling Team Removed From Italy Race Amid Threats of Gaza War Protests - Europe
Source: haaretz.com
At a glance
Verified September 28, 2025Key Evidence
CBC Sports and BBC Sport report the exclusion citing safety concerns related to pro-Palestinian protests.
The Times of Israel and Haaretz confirm the ban was for security reasons ahead of the October 4 race.
Multiple sources mention prior disruptions at other events involving the same team, reinforcing the organizers' concerns about potential disturbances.
The reporting
What the Evidence Shows
All ten sources consistently report that the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team was excluded from the Giro dell'Emilia race scheduled in Bologna, Italy. The primary reason cited by race organizers and reported by news agencies is concern over public safety and security risks stemming from anticipated pro-Palestinian protests. These protests are linked to recent geopolitical tensions and have previously caused disruptions at other cycling events, such as the Vuelta a España in Spain.
The decision was officially communicated by race organizers and confirmed by multiple media outlets including CBC Sports, The Times of Israel, BBC Sport, and Haaretz. There is no indication in these sources that the exclusion was due to sporting or regulatory reasons but rather due to external security threats. The coverage also notes that this exclusion occurred despite prior support for Israeli athletes from international cycling authorities, highlighting the exceptional nature of this decision based on safety concerns.
Primary trail
Verified Sources10
Open source