The Israeli cycling group will have to overcome a new type of obstacle on the way to participating in the Tour de France • The group responded to the protests:

• Riders of Israel Start-up Nation

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  Bettini Photo

In less than a month, the Israel Startup Nation's cycling group is expected to reach its biggest historical peak - participation in the Tour de France - but it seems that on its way there it will have to overcome a new type of obstacle.

BDS organizations in Europe and especially in France have recently stepped up calls to postpone the participation of the Israeli team and if that does not work - at least keep away the Israeli riders who are expected to take part in the big races of the season. One of them will certainly be in the Tour de France.

The Startup Nation group has been accustomed to dealing with protests and attempts at boycotts since they began competing professionally. In fact, it is rare to see a race in which the team participated without roadside protests, sometimes in an increased way but not in a way that endangered one of the riders or prevented them from participating in the race.

Now, in the peak year of the team in which it is included in the World Tour rankings - the top in the world - Israelis are expected to be involved in almost every race and win a lot of attention from spectators in the field and from those who watch from the screens at home.

Against the background of the expected protests, the group responded: "Israel Startup Nation is an Israeli group with Israeli and international riders whose goal is to succeed in the sports field, develop Israeli cycling and at the same time provide an opportunity for Israeli and non-Israeli riders. The group values ​​values ​​openness and tolerance. "Sport is a way to build bridges. The team is proud of its way and identity, we will not shy away from threats or boycotts."

At the same time, the group is also fighting the corona virus. Riders Guy Niv and Guy Sagiv, who were supposed to take part in the Polish column that will attract quite a bit of global coverage and serve as a preparation for the opening of the prestigious races, were denied entry to the country because they hold Israeli citizenship - currently considered red.