Dozens of protesters gathered in Quebec City to voice their objections to the Israel-Premier Tech (IPT) team participating in the city’s Grand Prix cycling event. The group, largely pro-Palestinian, criticized Mayor Bruno Marchand for not denouncing what they call genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The protesters, led by Marjorie Laclotte-Shehyn, emphasized that their goal was not to disrupt the race but to raise awareness. Laclotte-Shehyn expressed disappointment in Marchand for allowing the team to compete, labeling it as complicity with Israel’s actions.
Despite not being directly funded by Israel, the IPT team faced backlash, prompting them to remove all references to Israel from their branding. The protesters highlighted their concerns by questioning why Israel was being allowed to participate while other countries faced consequences for their actions.
The demonstration in Quebec City was part of a larger movement, with plans to protest at the Montreal Cycling Grand Prix as well. Various groups, including Bikers4Palestine and Palestinian and Jewish Unity, have united against what they see as the team’s role in sportswashing, using sports to improve Israel’s image.
Sylvan Adams, an Israeli-Canadian billionaire and main sponsor of the team, has faced criticism for his support despite opposition. The team’s association with Premier Tech, a Quebec-based company, has also drawn attention to the broader implications of corporate sponsorships in sports.
