Israel-Premier Tech sprinter Kogut responds after Croatia win: 'This one is for our haters'
Israel–Premier Tech rider Oded Kogut claimed victory in the final stage of the CRO Race on Sunday and used the moment to deliver a message to critics of his team, which has been at the centre of protests linked to Israel’s ongoing invasion of Gaza.
“I couldn’t ask for a better ending to this tour in Croatia than a victory with the best team and my family to celebrate,” the 24-year-old wrote on Instagram. “And to all our haters, or everyone who thought to kick us out of this sport – this one is for you, from my whole heart.”
Kogut’s post came at a delicate time for Israel–Premier Tech. In recent months, the team has faced calls to distance itself from Israel, amid wider demands to exclude Israeli sports teams from international competition.
During the Vuelta a España, pro-Palestinian protests disrupted several stages and led to the cancellation of the final day in Madrid. Since then, multiple organisers in Italy and Spain have raised concerns about hosting the team, while co-sponsor Premier Tech and bike supplier Factor have reportedly urged Israel–Premier Tech to cut all ties with Israel from 2026 onwards.
Last week, the team confirmed it would not participate in the Italian autumn classics, including Coppa Bernocchi, Tre Valli Varesine and Gran Piemonte, citing security risks.
Over 65,000 people, the vast majority of them civilians, have been killed since Israel invaded Gaza almost two years ago in response to the October 7 terrorist attacks, which killed more than 1,200 people.
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