"We are afraid": Israel-Premier Tech director Oscar Guerrero worries about his Vuelta riders after death threats

After reaffirming on Wednesday its commitment to remaining committed to the Vuelta until the end , the Israel-Premier Tech team spoke, through its director Oscar Guerrero, on a broadcast on the Spanish radio station Onda Cero . "We are receiving insults, all kinds of verbal attacks... It's hard for us, but we are a professional team and we cannot say that we are leaving, because the same thing could happen to us in another race," he explained.

After the 11th stage in Bilbao was canceled due to a pro-Palestinian protest, Vuelta a España technical director Kiko Garcia supported the withdrawal of the Israel-Premier Tech team to ensure everyone's safety. "If we decided to withdraw, it would set a precedent for other cases, for different reasons, of protests against other teams," Guerrero added. " We have prepared very well for La Vuelta and our goal is to go all the way."

"We knew Bilbao was the hottest place. I hope things will go much better from now on," said Guerrero, who said he understood the protests but called on the demonstrators "not to attack the team." The Spaniard also denounced the death threats his riders have been receiving for days, which are affecting the team - "we are afraid."

"Many people within the team are not happy with what is happening in Gaza."

"It's irresponsible of me to express my opinion about what's happening in Gaza, " Guerrero also said. "I have my own way of thinking, but this is not the time. I'm not happy with what I see, and many people on the team are not happy with what's happening in Gaza."