Professional Cycling Team Announces Name Change Starting in 2026 Racing Year

During the recent Vuelta a Espana, the squad experienced multiple disruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters staged protests against Israel's war in the Gaza Strip

Team representatives described the past few months as "a particularly difficult period" but acknowledged "the need for change"

"With strong dedication to our cyclists, team members, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and re-brand the team, moving away from its current Israel-linked identity"

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

Squad Background and Composition

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

Originally founded as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been supported by Canadian company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Events and Demonstrations

During the three-week Spanish tour, multiple protests and disruptions 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 last stage of the tour around Madrid was called off following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that caused scuffles with riders and obstructed the course in several locations

Recent Developments

Within the changes, squad owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day role and will cease speak on the squad's behalf

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely associated with the Israeli administration and has formerly referred to himself as a "unofficial representative to the nation"

International Reaction

International cycling regulatory organization the UCI has declared it will persist to welcome Israeli athletes at its events despite calls for athletic sanctions

Following United Nations commission findings that declared Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in Gaza - a allegation that Israel denies - there have been increasing demands for the country to be banned from global football tournaments

Background of Hostilities

Israeli defense forces launched a campaign in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-led assault on southern regions of Israel on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were murdered and 251 others were taken hostage

Based on reports from the region's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israel's attacks in the territory since that time

Analysis: Corporate Branding Factors

The choice represents a significant admission by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is creating discomfort in environments such as elite athletics

Adams' engagement in Israel's political affairs is widely recognized, although not formally assigned

This squad started largely thanks to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite communities closer together in regions of the world away from its European heartland

Despite several Grand Tour stage victories, the team has found the competition level challenging to maintain at points at the elite level, and is unable to afford to jeopardize sponsors such as Canadian agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

Being a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams understands that business image is paramount