Team Israel-Premier Tech will compete in the Grands Prix of Quebec and Montreal under the name 'IPT' and wearing a different kit, as protests against the team spread from Spain and the Vuelta a España to the Canadian races.

On Wednesday evening, pro-Palestine protesters were spotted outside the hotel in downtown Quebec where runners and race officials are staying. A dozen people waved flags but remained peaceful.

The team had already adopted a monogram-only kit at the Vuelta after protests in Spain forced organizers to end stage 16 early. The riders also voted to neutralize or stop the stage in the event of protests.

The lineup for the Canadian competition includes locals Guillaume Boivin and Hugo Houle, as well as Corbin Strong and Briton Joe Blackmore. Michael Woods, who was supposed to end his career in Montreal, was forced to withdraw due to injury.

"This request came directly from the team," explained Joseph Limare, general director of the GPCQM. "They asked us to remove the name 'Israel' from all expressions around the circuit and they will compete in a different uniform."

Tadej Pogačar admitted that "the riders are a little scared" of potential protests: "We're racing at full speed, we're giving it our all. This is a new problem that can happen."

Quebec Mayor Bruno Marchand revealed he was in contact with police and security services to ensure both the safety of the race and the right to protest. A Montreal human rights group also called for the team to be barred from participating in the race, threatening last-minute legal action.