Israeli Cyclist Nadav Reisberg Excluded From Vuelta a España Amid Team Strategy Shift

One year after anti-Israel protests disrupted the Vuelta a España, Israeli cyclist Nadav Reisberg will not compete in the upcoming race, which runs from August 22 to September 13, starting in Monaco. Reisberg, who rode for Israel Premier Tech last season, was not included in the final roster of his current team NSN for the Spanish Grand Tour. The team denies that this decision was influenced by pressure from race organizers related to the 2025 incidents, attributing it instead to professional and strategic reasons.

Reisberg, who won the green jersey at the prestigious Tour du Haut Var, will instead race in the Belgian Tour of Renvoi beginning Wednesday in Flanders. He is expected to play a key role supporting teammate Biniam Girmay in the race across the Low Countries. Sam Bewley, NSN’s sports director, explained that the team aims to strengthen its fast rider group around Girmay for important races and classics, with Reisberg becoming a permanent part of this core.

The team’s ownership recently transferred from Sylvan Adams to the Swiss-Spanish NSN company led by Andres Iniesta, which retained its Israeli riders, with Reisberg as the lead. Reisberg expressed his initial desire to return to the Vuelta but accepted the team’s plan for his role in Belgium.

The 2025 Vuelta was marred by violent pro-Palestinian protests targeting Israel Premier Tech, which removed Israeli symbols amid threats to its staff and riders. Reisberg also reflected on the tragic death of development rider Finn Tarling, describing the shock and emotional impact on the cycling community.

The Vuelta’s return without an Israeli rider marks a significant moment following last year’s turmoil, highlighting ongoing challenges for Israeli athletes in international cycling events.