Israel–Premier Tech to rebrand and drop Israeli identity for 2026
Israel–Premier Tech has confirmed that it will undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, ending its official association with Israel after more than a decade in professional cycling.
In a statement released on Monday, the team said the decision was made “to secure the future of the project” and ensure continued support from partners and sponsors amid growing political and commercial pressure.
“Progress often requires sacrifice, and this step is essential to securing the future of the team,” the statement read. The team will adopt a new name and identity for 2026, to be announced in the coming months.
The move marks the latest chapter in the evolution of a project that began eleven years ago as the Cycling Academy, founded with the goal of developing riders from non-traditional cycling nations, including Israel. Four years ago, it became Israel–Premier Tech, joining the WorldTour and celebrating several major milestones, including Tour de France stage wins and a return to the top level after relegation.
Team owner Sylvan Adams will step back from daily operations and no longer represent the team publicly, focusing instead on his duties as President of the World Jewish Congress, Israel.
The team described the change as a strategic but necessary step to preserve its sporting ambitions, emphasising that it “remains, and always has been, a sporting project.”
A new name, identity and long-term vision are expected to be unveiled before the start of the 2026 season.
The announcement to drop the team’s Israeli identity comes after months of rising pressure surrounding Israel-Premier Tech, who have been at the centre of protests linked to Israel’s ongoing invasion of Gaza, which were most prominent at the Vuelta a España. Multiple stages were halted early, and even the final stage in Madrid was cancelled for safety concerns. Israel-Premier Tech riders were also briefly blocked during their team time trial on stage 5.
Since then, multiple race 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.
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