19 October, 2025
79th Grand Prix d'Isbergues - Pas de Calais 2025

ISBERGUES, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 21: (L-R) Moritz Kretschy of Germany, Kiaan Watts of New Zealand and Floris Van Tricht of Belgium and Team Israel - Premier Tech compete during the 79th Grand Prix d'Isbergues - Pas de Calais 2025 a 201.1km one day race from Isbergues to Isbergues on September 21, 2025 in Isbergues, France. (Photo by Rhode Van Elsen/Getty Images)

The President of the Cyclists’ Professional Association (CPA), Adam Hansen, has expressed optimism about the upcoming rebranding of Israel-Premier Tech for the 2026 season. He believes that this strategic shift could significantly benefit the team members. The announcement, made earlier on Monday, revealed that the squad would be distancing itself from its current Israeli identity, coinciding with Sylvan Adams stepping back from his role as team principal.

This decision follows a series of pro-Palestine protests that emerged during the Vuelta a España, where demonstrators voiced their discontent regarding the team’s participation in the race. While most protests remained peaceful, some riders faced injuries, prompting concerns about their safety. Notably, Ivan Romeo of Movistar withdrew from the competition due to injuries sustained during the demonstrations. Following these events, Israel-Premier Tech opted out of several late-season races in Italy due to heightened security concerns.

Several sponsors, including bike brand Factor and title sponsor Premier Tech, indicated their preference to remove the name “Israel” from the team branding in light of the protests. Hansen had previously suggested in an interview with the BBC that cancelling certain stages could deter future protests.

In a conversation with Cyclingnews, Hansen reflected on the latest team developments, stating that he was “not surprised” by the announcement. He noted that he had discussed the situation with Adams during the World Championships, leading to the decision for change.

“I personally spoke to Sylvan Adams at Rwanda,” Hansen explained. “We discussed everything that happened at the Vuelta and the upcoming races. He said it was not fair what the riders went through at the Vuelta and that he would do everything possible to ensure riders could compete without being affected.”

Hansen acknowledged that Adams has upheld his commitment to the welfare of the riders. “After reading the news about the changes in 2026, he kept his word on that, which is great for the riders. They are there to do their job and race.”

Despite the team’s registration in Israel and a roster that includes three Israeli riders for the 2025 season, details regarding the new name or branding for 2026 have yet to be disclosed. The team emphasized its commitment to developing talent globally.

When asked if the protests and sponsor declarations indicated the team was running out of options, Hansen remained noncommittal. “I don’t know any of this. I just believe he [Adams] did what he thought was the best thing for his team, and I appreciate that.”

As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will be on ensuring the safety and performance of its riders amidst the ongoing discourse surrounding its identity and branding.