British Olympic champion Tom Pidcock has voiced serious concerns about cyclist safety following widespread pro-Palestinian demonstrations that marred the recent Vuelta a Espana.
The 26-year-old, who secured a career-best third place finish for his Q36.5 team, witnessed extensive disruptions throughout cycling's final Grand Tour of the season.
Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard claimed victory in a race overshadowed by protests spanning at least eight stages.
The demonstrations resulted in crashes within the peloton and forced organisers to terminate stages prematurely.
Tom Pidcock has admitted fears over his safety amid pro-Palestine protests
|REUTERS/PA
"Obviously I'm not going to comment on why people are protesting, but I worry about my friends who ride for the Israel [Premier Tech] team," Pidcock said.
The double Olympic gold medallist emphasised that targeted riders were simply pursuing their professional careers rather than making political statements.
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The demonstrations specifically targeted the eight-member Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes two British riders.
During stage five's team time trial, protesters stretched a banner across the route, halting four competitors mid-race.
Protesters scattered pins across roadways on one stage, causing numerous punctures throughout the peloton.
The race's concluding stage in Madrid was halted with 60 kilometres remaining after demonstrators invaded the course and engaged in physical altercations with competitors.
Spain's Javier Romo withdrew from competition following a stage 15 crash when protesters charged towards the approaching riders.
Pro-Palestine protestors caused mass disruption to the Vuelta a Espana
|REUTERS
The disruptions escalated progressively throughout the three-week event, with competitors growing increasingly anxious about their safety as the race continued.
Pidcock recounted his direct encounters with the protesters during the competition. "The last stage... when Felix [Gall] got pushed off his bike in Madrid, just before the race was stopped - yeah, that was overstepping it," he revealed.
The Tour de France stage winner described being struck in the face by a flag during the time trial. Despite these incidents, he maintained he never felt genuinely threatened throughout the event.
"I just don't think people think about the consequences of what they're doing," Pidcock observed. He lamented that sport should serve as escapism and entertainment for spectators.
"For it to be so serious and every day you're not sure where you'll finish makes it all more difficult to do our passion," he added.
Israeli rider Nadav Raisberg documented his team's mounting anxiety throughout the competition. "What's waiting for us today? Will they hurt us? Ambush us?" he wrote in diary entries that revealed the squad's daily apprehension.
The Israel-Premier Tech organisation, established in 2014, is partially owned by Canadian-Israeli property magnate Sylvan Adams.
Adams maintains strong connections with the Israeli government and has described himself to BBC Sport as a "self-appointed ambassador for Israel".
The team attracted significant investment when they recruited four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome in 2021. Their current roster features five British cyclists alongside international teammates.
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The Vuelta a Espana was dominated by pro-Palestine protestors
|REUTERS
Pro-Palestinian activists sought to spotlight the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict through their disruptions. The demonstrations aimed to draw attention to the war that began following the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.
Cycling's governing body, the UCI, issued a statement this week criticising the Spanish government's political position and its impact on the race. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had expressed admiration for the protesters before the final stage commenced.
The UCI commended race organiser ASO, which also manages the Tour de France, though questions persist about potential disruptions at next year's premier cycling event.
Pidcock expressed confidence about competing at the upcoming UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda, beginning this weekend.
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Many cyclists have expressed fears over their safety amid the protests
|REUTERS
"I'm not worried about it," he stated. "It's up to other people who have got more at stake - the biggest stakeholders in the sport I guess."
Israel-Premier Tech has made substantial investments in cycling infrastructure in Rwanda's capital Kigali ahead of the championships. BBC Sport has contacted the UCI regarding security arrangements for the event, scheduled from 21-28 September.