OFFICIAL: Israel – Premier Tech is no more! Team moves away from Israeli image amid mounting pressure with team boss Sylvan Adams "stepping back from day-to-day involvement"

In a landmark announcement on Monday, Israel – Premier Tech confirmed that it will shed its Israeli identity, rebranding ahead of the 2026 season after more than a decade in professional cycling. The decision comes amid mounting scrutiny and protests that have dogged the team in recent months, reflecting the complex intersection of sport and politics.

The team traces its roots back eleven years to the Cycling Academy, founded with the ambition of nurturing young talent from non-traditional cycling nations, including Israel. It evolved into Israel – Premier Tech four years ago and has since celebrated career-defining successes, including Tour de France stage victories, while navigating the challenges of relegation and promotion back to the World Tour.

In its official statement, the team emphasised that its mission has always been “a sporting project” rather than a political statement. The press release acknowledged “the challenges of recent months” and hinted that these pressures had accelerated the decision to rebrand, describing it as “essential to securing the future of the team.”

Perhaps the most significant organisational change is the role of Sylvan Adams, the team’s long-time owner and public face. Adams will step back from day-to-day involvement, focusing instead on his responsibilities as President of the World Jewish Congress, Israel. “Progress often requires sacrifice,” the team statement noted, signalling a deliberate separation between the team’s sporting operations and its high-profile leadership.

While details of the new identity remain under wraps, the team has reassured fans and partners that its founding mission remains intact: developing cycling talent from around the world. The move also represents a strategic attempt to insulate riders and staff from the political controversy that has shadowed Israel – Premier Tech, enabling the peloton to focus once again on racing rather than protest.

Over recent months, the team’s Israeli roots had made it a lightning rod within the professional cycling community, drawing both support and criticism. Rival riders and teams had publicly expressed discomfort, while within the squad, cohesion was maintained through a focus on performance and resilience under scrutiny. Adams himself had defended the team vigorously, insisting athletes should be judged solely on sporting merit. This latest step appears designed to move beyond that debate entirely.

As the 2026 season approaches, the cycling world will watch closely to see how the rebranded squad navigates this new chapter — retaining its commitment to nurturing talent while leaving behind an era marked by extraordinary sporting highs and unprecedented political attention.