Israel–Premier Tech renews key riders as team rebuilds under new identity

The signings mark a moment of stability after a turbulent year marked by pro-Palestine protests, mounting pressure, and the announcement that team owner Sylvan Adams would take a step back alongside the end of the Israel sponsorship.

While the team is strongly rumoured to be in negotiations with Biniam Girmay, the focus for now remains on securing the core of riders who have carried the team through its transition.

For Bennett, the renewal represents both loyalty and ambition. “I’m really happy to be continuing with the team,” he said in a press release by the team. “It’s a very special environment and a great group of people to be involved with. They have shown me a lot of support on and off the bike in what’s been a tough year and we have a lot of ambition to continue to evolve into one of the best teams in the world, so I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Veteran Canadian Guillaume Boivin also remains, extending what will now be an 11-year spell with the organisation. “I’m very happy and grateful to be staying with the team for another year,” he said. “Next year will be 11th year with the team and even though I’ve been doing this for a while now, I’m very excited about the challenges ahead. Next year will also be a big year with the UCI Road World Championships in my hometown of Montreal. It would be a dream to be there competing next September.”

French classics specialist Hugo Hofstetter described his renewal as a natural choice. “It was a really good start to the season for me and the team put a lot of trust in me as a protected rider,” he said. “After some good results in Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne and Gent–Wevelgem, I wanted to stay and we quickly agreed to an extension. After four years in the team, I feel very much at home.”

Australian Nick Schultz, meanwhile, signed a three-year extension, highlighting the team’s people and culture. “I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” he said. “It’s not just about results, it’s about the environment. The first half of the year was tough with injury, so I’m grateful for the confidence the team has shown in me.”

The extensions come after the loss of high-profile riders Matthew Riccitello and Derek Gee, whose contract dispute and subsequent lawsuit have cast a shadow over the team’s rebranding process. Even so, the message from within is one of renewal and unity.

As Israel–Premier Tech prepares to start a new chapter, the group that remains is focused on rebuilding trust, results and identity, one contract at a time.