Tiktekno: clip summarizing today's events in sport, 17.4/Sport1
The "Israel Premier Tech" bicycle group, which is owned by Canadian-Israeli billionaire Sylvain Adams, is expected to encounter vigorous anti-Israel protests at the two most prestigious bicycle races of all: the Giro d'Italia in May and the Tour de France in July.
In England they say that beyond the Israeli identity of the team, what ignited the protesters were posts by Michelle Froome - the wife of the British rider Chris Froome who has represented "Israel Premier Tech" since 2020. Following her words, a call arose to come to the races and protest against her husband and the "Zionist" team which he represents.
Fromm himself has expressed support for Israel since October 7 and participated in cycling events designed to show solidarity with the Israeli abductees. The 38-year-old rider won the Tour de France in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017. He also has two Olympic bronze medals in the time trial, in London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016.
Michelle, who also serves as the agent of the veteran rider who won the Tour de France four times in the past, wrote in a post on Tuesday that "I am tired of sitting and supporting Israel in silence, while the propaganda of Hamas taking over the social networks! The silent majority needs to be heard."
Fromm appealed to Muslims: "We don't want your religion, we don't want your beliefs - it's not compatible with modern civilization. Women's rights are important! LGBT rights are important! Trans rights matter! And Hamas against all of these. Remove the blindfold and look at reality, at the hatred they spread. There are no innocents in Gaza."
Of course Fromm received a barrage of angry reactions, but continued on X (formerly Twitter): "Muslims are no longer the minority they claimed to be. They are here to take over. Look at Britain, France - they enjoy all civil rights, but are not ready to integrate into society. They are emptying modern society (a sort of phrase meaning - they accept everything and contribute nothing)."
Michelle continued to publish comments in favor of Israel and against Hamas and among other things wrote: "I will always support Israel, I don't have to be Israeli or Jewish for that. I was born in Wales to a Catholic family, but I care about my Israeli friends and what they go through every day. I don't believe the trash propaganda of Hamas. Look at the facts, Hamas is a terrorist organization whose main goal is to make money for the leaders who live a life of luxury in Qatar."
She also wrote: "It's time for people to stop 'flattering' with political correctness. It's all a facade. They burned babies alive, they don't deserve any remorse. T-t-e-w-r-r-w!".