Cycling Team Confirms Name Change Starting in 2026 Season

Throughout last month's Spanish cycling tour, the squad experienced several interruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters organized protests regarding Israel's war in the Gaza Strip

Squad representatives characterized the past few months as "a particularly challenging time" but recognized "the need for change"

"With strong commitment to our riders, staff, and valued partners, the choice has been made to rebrand and restructure the team, shifting away from its present Israeli branding"

"In sport, advancement often requires sacrifice, and this step is crucial to securing the long-term viability of the organization"

Squad History and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes several UK cyclists among them multiple French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Canadian-Israeli property billionaire Sylvan Adams

Originally established as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been sponsored by Canada-based corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Protests

During the three-week Vuelta, numerous protests and interruptions occurred, primarily targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway during the competition, the team stopped using their full team name on their jerseys

The last stage of the tour around Madrid was cancelled following Palestinian-supporting protests that resulted in altercations with riders and blocked the route in several locations

Recent Changes

As part of the restructuring, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day role and will no longer act on the squad's representation

This sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with the Israeli government and has previously referred to himself as a "unofficial ambassador to the nation"

International Reaction

World professional cycling regulatory body the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israel-based competitors at its competitions despite calls for athletic sanctions

Following UN commission conclusions that declared Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in the territory - a claim that the government rejects - there have been growing calls for the country to be banned from international football tournaments

Context of Hostilities

Israeli defense forces initiated a campaign in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-led attack on southern the country on October 7th 2023, during which about 1,200 people were murdered and 251 additional people were captured

According to data from the territory's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israel's attacks in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Business Branding Factors

The decision represents a significant admission by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is causing discomfort in places such as professional sport

Adams' engagement in Israel's politics is well known, though not formally designated

The squad started largely thanks to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and belief that the activity can unite societies closer together in regions of the world away from its European heartland

Regardless of several Grand Tour stage wins, the team has experienced the competition level hard to maintain at times at the elite tier, and cannot afford to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

Being a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams understands that corporate brand reputation is everything