The cycling team was seriously under fire in recent months – especially during the Tour of Spain – because of the situation in Gaza and is now intervening. Owner Sylvan Adams also takes a step back.
Main sponsor requires other name Cycling Ploeg Israel Prime Minister Tech: ‘Without the term Israel’
With this decision, the cycling team responds to the call from main sponsor Premier Tech and bicycle producer Factor. Earlier they evoked that the cycling team would cut all ties with Israel. Premier Tech also demanded that the team would accept a new identity and branding.
Pressure of the main sponsor
Israel Prime Minister Tech has been seriously under fire in recent months, given the current developments in Gaza. The cycling team became the target of many pro-Palestinian demonstrations, especially during the Tour of Spain.
During the Tour of Spain, the cycling team was the target of many pro-Palestinian protests. © Getty Images
The pressure has become increasingly bigger in recent weeks. The team therefore fitted for some Italian autumn races last weekend. Eventually the team now decided to go into the call of his main sponsor and takes the distance from the Israeli identity.
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“With a steadfast dedication to our riders, staff and partners, we have decided to rename and rebuild the team, away from our current Israeli identity,” it says in a press release. “In sport, progress sometimes requires sacrifices, and this step is essential to ensure the future of the team.”
Owner also sets step aside
Adams, the pro-Israeli billionaire who founded the project eleven years ago to give riders from non-traditional bicycle countries a chance and for years the face of the team, is taking a step aside. “From 2026, Sylvan Adams will withdraw from daily operation and will not speak on behalf of the team,” the message says. “He will concentrate on his role as president of the World Jewish Congress, Israel.”
What will be the new name and identity of the team will remain secret for the time being. The team does emphasize that it remains loyal to its original mission. “Although a new chapter is waiting for us, we remain faithful to our promise to develop cycling talent from all over the world.”
With those words the team tries to turn a page. After months of unrest, she hopes to find peace again.