Niv is part of the Israel Start-Up Nation (ISN) cycling team, Israel's first professional cycling squad who also made their debut in the Tour this year.
Patrick Schelling tested positive for terbutaline, a banned substance found in asthma inhalers.
Strategic Affairs Minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen spoke with Tour de France team co-owner Sylvan Adams regarding Israel's public image in light of the cycling event.
With world-class riders, blue-and-white team has high hopes heading into Tour de France
Some comments called for the harm of the riders, alluding to "a sniper on the Tour," referring to it "'bird shooting' as they do in Palestine."
Niv's background is mostly in mountain climbing, with only three years of experience in competitive cycling, making him an interesting pick.
As a World Tour competitor, Israel Start-Up Nation got an automatic bid to participate in the 2020 UAE Tour.
"I joined ICA to fulfil my biggest dream: Racing in the World Tour and Tour De France!" 23-year-old Chokri Elmehdi from Morocco said.
Monumental accomplishment for five-year-old squad to participate in world's most prestigious race.
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