Following numerous pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the Vuelta a España, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team will sever its Israeli affiliations.
Published On 6 Oct 2025
Starting with the 2026 season, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team will officially remove its Israeli association, a decision prompted by a series of pro-Palestinian protests during the recent Vuelta a España event.
This announcement came via an official statement on Monday, following mounting demands from sponsors urging a rebranding of the team’s identity.
Owned by Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams and headquartered in Israel, the team has faced intense backlash due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, where over 67,000 Palestinians have lost their lives amid accusations of genocide by international experts.
Adams has previously praised Israel’s military efforts as “remarkable,” despite the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, including widespread famine and destruction.
During last month’s Vuelta a España, protesters interrupted multiple race stages to voice opposition to the team’s Israeli ties. In response, the team removed its full name from jerseys mid-race. The event’s final stage in Madrid was ultimately canceled after demonstrators entered the course.
Following these disruptions, the team was barred from participating in the Giro dell’Emilia race due to safety concerns.
In explaining the rebranding, the team emphasized its dedication to protecting the interests of its riders, staff, and partners, stating that “progress in sports often demands difficult choices, and this step is vital for the team’s future.”
The statement also clarified that Sylvan Adams will no longer represent the team publicly, shifting his focus to his role as president of the World Jewish Congress in Israel.
Premier Tech, the Canadian multinational co-sponsor, had earlier expressed the need for a name change, highlighting the evolving international climate since the team joined the World Tour in 2017.
“We expect the team to adopt a new name that excludes ‘Israel’ and to develop a fresh brand identity,” the company stated.
Additionally, Factor, the team’s equipment supplier, warned that it would withdraw support unless the team changed its national affiliation.
Israel’s global standing has become increasingly isolated amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, with many nations seeking to exclude the country from international sporting and cultural platforms, mirroring the sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
