Human rights group urges Montreal to bar Israel-Premier Tech from Grand Prix Cycliste, citing concerns of “sportswashing” amid Gaza conflict.
Push for Team’s Exclusion
A Montreal-based human rights group is calling on Mayor Valérie Plante to prevent the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team from competing in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on September 14. The group argues that allowing the team to race would send the wrong message while conflict continues in Gaza.
The Letter to City Hall
Palestinian and Jewish Unity (PAJU), a coalition of Palestinians, Jews, and Canadians, issued a legal letter to the city demanding the team’s removal from the roster. Lawyers for the group warned that allowing the squad to compete in the publicly funded event could make the city complicit in “sportswashing” — using sport to deflect from alleged human rights violations.
The Cycling Team at the Centre
Israel-Premier Tech is co-owned by Canadian-Israeli businessman Sylvan Adams and backed by Quebec-based Premier Tech. The team, which features Canadian riders such as Pier-André Côté, Hugo Houle, Guillaume Boivin, Michael Woods, and Derek Gee, recently altered its uniforms at the Vuelta a España in response to protests but maintains its official team name.
Why the Controversy Matters
PAJU’s appeal comes amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s presence in global sporting events. Spain’s foreign minister recently expressed support for removing the team from the Vuelta, while protests at that race prompted riders to switch to neutral kits. Critics argue that allowing the team to compete in Montreal could normalize Israel’s actions in Gaza, where aid groups warn of a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Responses From Organizers and Officials
Race organizers for the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal have declined to comment on the demand, while neither the City of Montreal nor the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has issued a response. A spokesperson for Israel-Premier Tech said simply: “No response needed on our end.”
What Happens Next
PAJU set a deadline of Tuesday at 4 p.m. for the city to act. If Montreal does not confirm the team’s exclusion, the group says it is prepared to pursue legal action. The Grand Prix in Montreal follows the Quebec City edition on September 12, both of which are Canada’s only stops on the UCI World Tour calendar.
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