After ongoing protests: Israel-Premier Tech changes name and brand identity for 2026

After months of protests at cycling races and increasing pressure from sponsors, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team officially announced on Monday that it will change its name and move away from its Israeli identity. In a press release, the team announced that it is planning a new name and brand identity for the 2026 season. At the same time, team owner Sylvan Adams is withdrawing from day-to-day operations and "will no longer speak on behalf of the team", as the statement says. Adams will instead focus on his role as President of the World Jewish Congress Israel. The decision comes after the team has been the target of pro-Palestine protests at numerous races in recent months, particularly at the Vuelta a España. These protests led to significant disruptions to the race, including the neutralisation of stages and even the cancellation of the final stage of the Tour of Spain in Madrid. As a result, the team had to forgo participation in several Italian autumn classics for safety reasons.

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Pressure from sponsors and security concerns

The decision to change the name follows significant pressure from important sponsors. In an interview with Cyclingnews, bike manufacturer Factor stated unequivocally: "Without a name change, without a flag change, we will not continue." Title sponsor Premier Tech had also spoken out in favour of a change, stating that "the current situation regarding the team name is no longer sustainable in order to achieve our goal". During the Vuelta a España, the team had already started to ride without the word "Israel" on the jerseys after protests became increasingly intense. The safety concerns were so serious that several race organisers either excluded the team or expressed their reservations about their participation. The Giro dell'Emilia removed Israel-Premier Tech from the start list for "reasons of public safety", and the Spanish stage race O Gran Camiño also spoke out against inviting the team for 2026. Even the Spanish foreign minister spoke out in favour of excluding the team from the Vuelta.

Return to the WorldTour and vision for the future

Despite the name change and the withdrawal of Adams, the team remains true to its original vision, as it emphasises in the press release: "Although a new chapter is about to be unveiled, the team will remain true to its founding promise: To develop cycling talent from around the world." The team was founded eleven years ago as Cycling Academy and later evolved into Israel - Premier Tech. During this time, it has experienced both highs, such as stage wins at the Tour de France, and lows, such as its relegation from the WorldTour. A return to the highest category of cycling is now on the cards for 2026, as the team has collected enough UCI points in the last three years to be one of the top 18 teams again. The new name and brand identity have not yet been announced, but are expected to be unveiled in the near future.