Professional Cycling Team Confirms Name Change Starting in 2026 Season

During the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced multiple interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters organized protests regarding Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Team officials characterized the recent period as "a particularly challenging period" but acknowledged "the need for change"

"Having steadfast dedication to our riders, team members, and important partners, the choice has been made to rebrand and restructure the team, shifting away from its current Israeli identity"

"In sport, advancement often demands compromise, and this measure is essential to securing the long-term viability of the team"

Team History and Composition

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

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the three-week Vuelta, multiple protests and interruptions took place, primarily targeting the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

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

The final stage of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that resulted in scuffles with riders and obstructed the route in several locations

Recent Changes

Within the restructuring, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day role and will cease act on the squad's representation

The 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has formerly described himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to the nation"

International Response

World cycling regulatory organization the UCI has stated it will continue to accept Israel-based athletes at its events despite demands for athletic sanctions

After United Nations commission findings that declared Israel has committed genocide against Palestinian people in the territory - a allegation that the government denies - there have been increasing demands for the nation to be banned from global soccer competition

Background of Conflict

The Israeli defense forces initiated a campaign in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-organized attack on southern regions of Israel on October 7th 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage

Based on data from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israel's military actions in the territory since then

Analysis: Corporate Image Factors

The choice constitutes a significant admission by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is creating unease in places such as professional sport

Adams' involvement in Israel's politics is well known, though not officially assigned

The team started largely thanks to Adams' enthusiasm for professional cycling, and conviction that the activity can bring societies closer together in regions of the globe distant from its continental heartland

Despite some major cycling tour leg victories, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the competition level hard going at points at the top tier, and cannot risk to lose financial backers such as Canada's pesticide experts Premier Tech

As a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that corporate image is paramount