Team Israel - Premier Tech no longer exists. At least not under this name. The racing team will remain, but its identity, sponsors and direction will change fundamentally. From the 2026 season, the team will compete as the NSN Cycling Team and will ride under a Swiss licence in future. The Spanish sports and entertainment company Never Say Never is responsible for the new start, taking over the team licence together with the Swiss investment platform Stoneweg. The change of ownership includes both the WorldTour team and the junior team. A normal restructuring process? Hardly.
Earthquake in cycling
The name change did not come out of nowhere. The team had already announced in October 2025 that it was giving up its Israeli identity. This was triggered by ongoing protests against the team's participation in international races - particularly evident during the Vuelta a España. Pro-Palestinian activists repeatedly disrupted the race, leading to stage shortenings and even the cancellation of the official victory ceremony in Madrid. The protests were directed against the Gaza war and Israel's role in this conflict and increasingly brought the team into the political spotlight.
The pressure was not without consequences. Co-sponsor Premier Tech and cycling sponsor Factor publicly threatened to pull out, and Premier Tech even spoke of an "untenable situation". Team owner Sylvan Adams, a Canadian-Israeli businessman, also announced that he would withdraw from day-to-day operations. By this point at the latest, it was clear that a fundamental new start was inevitable.
Promotion to the WorldTour
While there was a lot of rumbling behind the scenes, the riders on the road were putting their money where their mouths were. In sporting terms, the team can look back on an extremely successful year. Derek Gee and Matthew Riccitello caused a stir with strong performances in the Grand Tours: Fourth place in the Giro d'Italia and fifth place overall in the Vuelta a España brought the racing team international recognition. At the end of the season, the team was even promoted to the WorldTour, the highest league in cycling. Ironically, the two top performers will no longer be taking this step. Gee and Riccitello will no longer be racing for the NSN Cycling Team in 2026.
Personnel changes
The new sporting and structural start is accompanied by far-reaching personnel changes. In addition to the good news of the new bike sponsor Scott, the team has to cope with several prominent departures. With Derek Gee, Matthew Riccitello, Pascal Ackermann and Hugo Houle, four key players are leaving the team.
The public conflict between Gee and Israel - Premier Tech in particular made headlines. The Canadian had declared during the season that he had unilaterally cancelled his contract. A protracted dispute ensued which, according to Gee, could even lead to a lawsuit.
On the other hand, a well-known newcomer is providing sporting optimism: Biniam Girmay. Although the sprint star has had a difficult season, his potential is undisputed - and he has already proven what he is capable of on several occasions.
Looking ahead
For the riders of the NSN Cycling Team, the image change should mean one thing above all: A sigh of relief. After a season under constant police protection and in the shadow of numerous protests, calm is now returning. The political baggage has been shed for the time being - and the focus can finally return to what it should really be about: cycling!
Leon Weidner
Working student
