Cycling Squad Announces Name Change Starting in 2026 Racing Year

During the recent Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced multiple disruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized actions regarding Israel's war in the Gaza Strip

Team representatives characterized the past few months as "an incredibly difficult time" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"Having strong commitment to our riders, team members, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the team, shifting departing from its current Israel-linked branding"

"In sport, advancement often demands sacrifice, and this measure is crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of the organization"

Squad History and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which features several British cyclists including multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

Throughout the three-week Spanish tour, numerous demonstrations and disruptions took place, mainly focusing on the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the competition, the team ceased displaying their full name on their cycling uniforms

The last stage of the race around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and blocked the route in multiple places

Recent Developments

Within the restructuring, team owner Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day role and will no longer act on the team's representation

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with the Israeli administration and has formerly described himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

International Response

World cycling governing body the UCI has stated it will continue to accept Israeli competitors at its competitions despite calls for athletic sanctions

After UN commission findings that declared Israel has committed genocide against Palestinian people in the territory - a claim that Israel rejects - there have been growing demands for the nation to be banned from global soccer tournaments

Context of Hostilities

The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-organized assault on southern regions of the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were captured

According to data from the territory's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israeli military actions in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Corporate Branding Factors

This decision represents a major admission by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is causing discomfort in environments such as elite sport

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

This squad began largely thanks to Adams' enthusiasm for cycling, and belief that the activity can bring societies more united in regions of the world away from its European heartland

Despite some Grand Tour stage victories, Israel-Premier Tech has found the competition level challenging going at points at the top tier, and is unable to risk to lose financial backers such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

Being a billionaire businessman, Adams understands that business brand reputation is everything