Cycling Squad Reveals Name Rebranding Starting in 2026 Racing Year

During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced several interruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized actions against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza

Team officials described the recent period as "a particularly difficult time" but recognized "the necessity for change"

"With strong dedication to our riders, staff, and valued partners, the decision has been made to rebrand and restructure the squad, shifting away from its current Israel-linked identity"

"In sport, progress often demands sacrifice, and this step is essential to securing the future of the team"

Squad Background and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which features several British riders including multiple Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Israeli-Canadian property tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Protests

During the three-week Vuelta, numerous demonstrations and interruptions took place, primarily targeting the involvement of the cycling team

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

The final leg of the tour around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and obstructed the course in multiple places

Recent Changes

As part of the changes, squad owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day role and will cease act on the squad's representation

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has previously described himself as a "unofficial ambassador to Israel"

Global Reaction

International professional cycling regulatory organization the UCI has declared it will persist to accept Israel-based athletes at its events despite demands for athletic boycotts

After United Nations commission conclusions that stated Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in the territory - a allegation that Israel rejects - there have been growing calls for the nation to be suspended from international soccer competition

Context of Hostilities

Israeli military launched a operation in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-organized assault on southern Israel on October 7th 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

Based on reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israel's attacks in the territory since then

Perspective: Corporate Image Factors

This choice represents a significant acknowledgment by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is creating unease in places such as elite sport

The owner's engagement in Israeli politics is well known, though not formally designated

The team began largely thanks to the owner's passion for cycling, and belief that the activity can bring communities closer together in regions of the world distant from its European traditional base

Regardless of several major cycling tour leg wins, the team has experienced the pace hard going at times at the top tier, and is unable to risk to lose financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

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