Demonstrators gathered at the base of Mount Royal on Sunday to protest against the Israel-Premier Tech (IPT) team’s participation in the Montreal Cycling Grand Prix.
Cyclists for Palestine, Palestinians and Jews United (PAJU), and Divest for Palestine have urged the public to join them in calling for the exclusion of the team from the Quebec Grand Prix, citing alleged complicity in genocide and “sportswashing.”
Similar protests have been staged at the Vuelta in Spain, prompting IPT to modify their jerseys to remove references to Israel. Recently, a small group of pro-Palestinian activists also demonstrated at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, opposing IPT’s involvement in the event.
While IPT is not financially supported by Israel, it is backed by Quebec-born billionaire Sylvan Adams, a prominent figure in the cycling world. Adams has faced criticism for his support of the team despite objections from opponents, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In addition to Adams, Premier Tech, a major Quebec-based company specializing in various industries such as manufacturing, water management, sanitation, and agriculture, is a key sponsor of the team.
