Cycling Team Announces Name Rebranding for 2026 Season

During last month's Vuelta a Espana, the team experienced multiple interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters staged protests regarding the Israeli war in Gaza

Team representatives described the past few months as "an incredibly challenging period" but recognized "the need for change"

"Having steadfast commitment to our riders, staff, and valued partners, the decision has been made to rename and re-brand the team, moving departing from its present Israeli identity"

"In sport, progress often requires sacrifice, and this step is essential to securing the long-term viability of the team"

Team History and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes several UK riders including multiple French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian property tycoon Sylvan Adams

Initially founded as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been sponsored by Canadian company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

Throughout the three-week Vuelta, multiple demonstrations and interruptions took place, primarily focusing on the participation of the cycling team

Halfway during the competition, the squad ceased using their full name on their jerseys

The last leg of the race around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that caused altercations with riders and obstructed the route in multiple locations

Recent Changes

As part of the restructuring, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily responsibilities and will no longer speak on the squad's behalf

This 66-year-old businessman has been strongly linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has previously referred to himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to the nation"

Global Response

International cycling governing body the UCI has declared it will persist to accept Israeli competitors at its competitions despite demands for sporting sanctions

Following UN investigation findings that stated Israel has performed mass killing against Palestinian people in Gaza - a allegation that the government denies - there have been growing calls for the nation to be suspended from international football tournaments

Background of Conflict

The Israeli defense forces initiated a campaign in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-led attack on southern regions of Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

According to data from the territory's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israeli military actions in the territory since that time

Perspective: Corporate Image Considerations

The choice represents a major acknowledgment by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Israeli branding is creating unease in environments such as elite athletics

Adams' involvement in Israel's politics is well known, although not officially designated

This squad began largely due to the owner's enthusiasm for professional cycling, and belief that the sport can bring societies closer together in regions of the world distant from its continental traditional base

Despite several Grand Tour stage wins, the team has experienced the competition level challenging to maintain at times at the top tier, and cannot afford to jeopardize financial backers such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

Being a billionaire businessman, Adams understands that business image is everything