Alessandro de Marchi, former runner of Israel-Prime Tech, breaks the silence and challenges the UCI against the discomfort around the team.
Alessandro de Marchi no longer hides his discomfort. In an interview with ObserverThe 39-year-old Italian, who went through the Israel-Prime Tech team between 2021 and 2022, said he was “Happy and relieved” To no longer be part of the Israeli-Canadian training, founded by Sylvan Adams, close to the Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu. A mature choice, while the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis that accompanies it shake the international scene.
“I would have had a lot of trouble being there now”says Marchi. “Everyone is free from their choices, but today I would not sign a contract with Israel. I would not be able to manage my emotions, to get involved in such an adventure. »»
Now at Jayco Alula and at the end of his career, he claims to have gained in perspective and in conscience: “There are times when, even if it is difficult, it is better to follow his morality. Today, I would do things differently. »»
If Israel-Prime Tech is not directly funded by the Hebrew State, its mission is clear: “Wearing the image” of Israel, according to Marchi. “The members of the team wanted to highlight the beauty of the country, but there was never any resentment towards Gaza or the Palestinians, nor of reference to the occupation in the West Bank”he details, evoking a
“Lighter propaganda” and the impossibility of approaching the subject of Gaza within the training.
UCI called to clarify its position
Since October 7 and the intensification of the conflict, the presence of the team on the World Tour races has aroused turmoil. At the last Giro, she was targeted by demonstrators, and on the Tour de France,
A spectator brandishing a keffieh and a t-shirt
“Israel outside the tour” was evacuated when the 11th stage arrived in Toulouse. So many incidents that reveal growing discomfort around this team in the peloton.
What disturbs especially Marchi is the global silence of the cycling world. “We need to see our ruling body take concrete measures”he challenges. The Italian calls on the Union International Cycling (UCI) to react to violations of international law:
“We must show that as cycling worlds, we care about human rights. »»
