Israel-Premier Tech announces plan to 'rename and rebrand the team'
Updated 06/10/2025 at 17:41 GMT+1
The Israel-Premier Tech cycling team is to be renamed and rebranded for the 2026 season. Moreover, co-owner Sylvan Adams is to step back from "day-to-day involvement" with the team. The move follows a spate of protests against the team's involvement in races, most notably at La Vuelta. Israel-Premier Tech were recently disinvited from the Giro dell'Emilia.
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The Israel-Premier Tech team is to be renamed and rebranded for 2026, it has been announced.
In a statement on social media, the team announced they were looking to move "away from its current Israeli identity", while co-owner Sylvan Adams is to step back from "day-to-day involvement".
The change follows a spate of protests against the team’s involvement in races, most notably at La Vuelta.
Pro-Palestine protesters in Spain blocked the road during the Vuelta team time trial while they forced the final stage to be abandoned.
Last week, Israel-Premier Tech were disinvited from the Giro dell'Emilia and withdrew from three other one-day races in Italy (Coppa Bernocchi, Tre Valli Varesine, and Gran Piemonte), citing safety concerns around the threat of further protests.
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On September 14, 2025, in Madrid, Spain, the Vuelta a Espana comes to an unprecedented halt as the final stage is canceled with 56 km to go due to large-scale pro-Palestinian protests in the heart of the Spanish capital.
Image credit: Getty Images
The team's statement reads: "Eleven years ago, the Cycling Academy team was founded with a vision of nurturing young talent from non-traditional cycling countries, including Israel, providing aspiring riders with a clear pathway to professional cycling.
"Over the past 11 years, the team, which evolved to Israel-Premier Tech four years ago, has experienced the highs and lows that come with professional sport, from the pure joy of seeing our riders win Tour de France stages to the challenge of relegation, and fighting back to the WorldTour. It is, and always has been, a sporting project.
"The team takes pride in its achievements on the road, but even more so in the culture it has built within. This culture has been the foundation that enabled the team to overcome the challenges of recent months, standing firmly behind our riders and staff during an incredibly difficult period. Throughout this time, the team’s owners and management have recognised the need for change.
"With steadfast commitment to our riders, staff, and valued partners, the decision has been made to rename and rebrand the team, moving away from its current Israeli identity. In sport, progress often requires sacrifice, and this step is essential to securing the future of the team.
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"Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Sylvan Adams has chosen to step back from his day-to-day involvement and will no longer speak on behalf of the team, instead focusing on his role as president of the World Jewish Congress, Israel.
"Although a new chapter awaits, one that will be revealed soon, the team will remain true to its founding promise: to develop cycling talent from around the world.
"To our fans: thank you for your unwavering support throughout the years, and especially during these past few weeks. We look forward to continuing this journey together."
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