Copyright bbc
Israel-Premier Tech have been targeted by pro-Palestinian protestors relating to the Israel-Gaza war, which was sparked by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed. Israel responded by launching a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 68,800 people have been killed, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Although not directly referenced in statements, Gee said riding for the team "weighed heavily on his conscience", and said he is the subject of a 30m euros (£26m) damages claim for breach of contract from the team. Gee, a popular figure in the sport, was considered one of the team's best riders, having finished fourth in May's Giro d'Italia. Adams' involvement in Israeli politics is well known, telling BBC Sport in 2020 he is a "self-appointed ambassador to Israel". He supported Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government on a trip to the White House to oversee the signing of an accord between arab nations and Israel during US President Donald Trump's first term in 2020. The protests during the Vuelta affected several of the 21 stages across the three-week Grand Tour, including the cancellation of the final stage in Madrid, when protestors blocked the course with barriers and some riders were pushed from their bikes. On stage five during the team time trial, a banner was unfurled in front of Israel-Premier Tech as they approached at speed, taking four of eight riders out of the stage. Alongside the concerns of Premier Tech, team bike supplier Factor also asked for changes to be made for them to continue their association with the team in 2026.
