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Israel Cycling Academy agrees to release Turkish rider after U.S. policy sparks Middle East tensions

Ahmet Örken cited pressure on him and his family for his request to be released from his contract

Israeli Cycling Academy Ahmed Orken
Israeli Cycling Academy Ahmed Orken
Image: Velo Images

On Thursday, the Israel Cycling Academy confirmed that Turkish time trial national Ahmet Örken, the only Muslin on the roster, had been released following the riders request because of tensions in the Middle East putting pressure on himself and his family.

When the 2018 roster for the Israel Cycling Academy was unveiled in November, the team’s diversity was a big highlight with riders of 16 nationalities and the three largest Abrahamic relgions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam—represented.

Israeli Cycling Academy Ahmed Orken
Image: Velo Images

In early December, Donald Trump announced that the United States would recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Tensions in the Middle East rose and soon after Örken contacted the team citing “The effect that the recent events in the Middle East had on me and my family,” as the reason for his requested release.

Israel Cycling Academy said team general manager Ran Margaliot traveled to Örken’s home of Konya in Turkey to speak with the rider and his family. After being persuaded by the team to take time with the decision, Örken formally requested being released from the team with his request being granted on Wednesday.

“This is heartbreaking for all of us,” said Margaliot. “Ahmet is a great athlete and a great person. He joined our program with a vision and commitment to putting sport—and with it, peace—above politics. It was a brave decision and one that was received with widespread support and approval among the Israeli and Turkish people.”

Israeli Cycling Academy Ahmed Orken
Image: Velo Images

The team maintains their commitment to peace and co-existence despite the departure. “The doors of Israel Cycling Academy will be open for Ahmet and we certainly hope to see him rejoin us,” Margaliot said.

The 25-year-old Turk is four-time Turkish national ITT champion and spent the last six seasons riding for UCI Continental team Torku Sekerspor. He won two stages and the points classification at the Tour of Qinghai Lake in 2017.

“I am so thankful for the opportunity I received from Israel Cycling Academy. Unfortunately, recent events have forced my hand. My family in Konya—and especially my mother and brother—have found themselves in a dire situation. While I am thankful to be a professional cyclist, I am a dedicated son and brother first and foremost,” Örken said in a statement released by the team.

“I remain deeply thankful to the team, I have been treated like family from the very beginning. This was a unique opportunity for me both on and off the bike. I will continue to cheer for this program moving forward—both on and off the bike.”

The 2018 Giro d’Italia is set to start in Jerusalem on May 4. On Thursday, the UN General Assembly with non-bindinging measure rejected Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.