Michelle Froome deletes social media account after Muslims “drain on modern society" rant, as pro-Palestine activists call for protests against Israel-Premier Tech

Michelle Froome, the agent and wife of seven-time Grand Tour winner Chris Froome, appeared today to have deleted her X (formerly Twitter) account, only to reinstate it hours later – two days after publishing a series of inflammatory posts claiming that Muslims are “here to take over” and are a “drain on modern society”, and that “there are no innocent Gazans”.

Earlier this week, Israel – Premier Tech, the UCI ProTeam Chris Froome has represented since 2021, distanced itself from the social media posts, which have sparked renewed calls from pro-Palestine activists to target the team at this year’s Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.

Responding to a question from road.cc about Michelle Froome’s posts, Israel – Premier Tech said: “Any comments or beliefs made public by third parties associated with the team’s riders or staff do not represent Israel – Premier Tech, its team members, or its partners.”

> "We continue to race proudly as Israel – Premier Tech": Israel name removed from cycling team's vehicles as "precautionary measure"

That comment came after Michelle Froome had made a hugely controversial return to X/Twitter on Monday with a string of posts about the ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza, having not posted on her account since 2020.

"First they'll come for Israel, then the rest of the world. Be warned... it doesn't end here," the first tweet said.

"Women’s rights matter! Gay rights matter! Trans rights matter! Hamas doesn’t support any of those. Take the blindfolds off and see the reality of the hatred they are spreading. There are no innocent Gazans.

"I'm sick of sitting idly by quietly supporting Israel while the Hamas propaganda takes over social media. Enough is enough! The silent majority needs to stand up and be heard. We don't want your religion, we don't want your beliefs. It is not compatible with modern civilisation.

"Muslims are no longer the minority they claim to be. They are here to take over. The UK, France, they are happy to claim the benefits but will not integrate into those communities. They will continue to TAKE what suits them. They are a drain on modern society. 

"It's time people stop pandering to the political correctness. It's all a facade. They burned babies alive. They deserve no remorse whatsoever. This is just the beginning. WAKE UP."

Other tweets said she had "reported multiple posts on TikTok sharing Hamas propaganda" and "if anyone is surprised that I have strong opinions they clearly haven't been around cycling long enough."

"I have been quiet but I will not be quiet anymore," she continued. "This is not about cycling it is about the world my children are being raised in, more parents need to be concerned about this."

The account had not posted in a few years, but old posts include reaction to Froome's 2017 Tour victory and crash at the 2019 Critérium du Dauphiné. 

The 38-year-old professional cyclist, aiming to return to the Tour this summer having missed out on selection in 2023, has not commented on his wife and agent’s posts, having last posted on Instagram at the weekend. In January, he appeared in social media videos shared by Israel's Foreign Ministry and the official State of Israel account promoting a solidarity ride in support of hostages held in Gaza.

Following an online backlash to her anti-Muslim rant, Michelle Froome’s X/Twitter account appeared to have been deleted on Wednesday morning, only to be reinstated a few hours later, as she posted another inflammatory anti-Muslim message.

Her social media outbursts also appear to have sparked renewed calls from pro-Palestine activists to protest her husband’s Israel–Premier Tech team along the route of this year’s Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.

“We call for more protests than ever along the race routes of the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, which will start from Italy this year,” the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel said on Monday.

The group also claimed that Israel–Premier Tech is “Israeli government-sponsored” (despite its strong links to Israel through its owners, the team is not directly connected to the state), and that it exists to “sportswash” what it calls a “75-year-long regime of military occupation and apartheid”.

> Brailsford threatened to fine Wiggins if he didn't support Froome in Tour de France

During the 2012 Tour de France, Michelle and Cath Wiggins, ex-wife of Bradley, became embroiled in a Twitter spat moments after the two riders crossed the finish line on stage 11, Froome having controversially attacked teammate and yellow jersey Wiggins before waiting on team orders.

"Beyond disappointed… I know what happened just then," Michelle tweeted, before adding in a follow-up post: "If you want loyalty, get a Froome dog… a quality I value… although being taken advantage of by others!"