Cycling Squad Confirms Name Change for 2026 Season

Throughout the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad experienced several interruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters staged actions regarding Israel's war in Gaza

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

"Having steadfast dedication to our riders, staff, and important partners, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the squad, shifting away from its current Israel-linked branding"

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

Squad Background and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech team, which features several British riders among them multiple Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Canadian-Israeli real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

During the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple protests and interruptions took place, mainly targeting the participation of the cycling team

Midway during the competition, the squad stopped displaying their complete team name on their jerseys

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

Recent Changes

Within the restructuring, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day responsibilities and will no longer speak on the team's behalf

This sixty-six-year-old businessman has been strongly associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has formerly referred to himself as a "unofficial ambassador to the nation"

Global Response

International cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will continue to accept Israeli athletes at its events despite calls for sporting sanctions

After UN commission conclusions that declared Israel has committed genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza - a allegation that Israel rejects - there have been increasing calls for the country to be banned from global soccer tournaments

Background of Hostilities

The Israeli defense forces initiated a operation in Gaza in response to the Hamas-organized assault on southern the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were murdered and 251 additional people were taken hostage

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

Perspective: Business Branding Factors

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

The owner's involvement in Israel's political affairs is well known, though not officially assigned

The team started largely due to the owner's passion for cycling, and belief that the sport can unite communities more together in regions of the globe distant from its continental heartland

Regardless of several major cycling tour stage victories, the team has experienced the competition level challenging to maintain at times at the elite level, and is unable to afford to lose financial backers such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

As a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that business brand reputation is paramount