Premier Tech Immediately Ends Sponsorship of Israel-Premier Tech

Premier Tech announced on Friday afternoon that it is immediately ceasing its sponsorship of the Israel-Premier Tech team. The Canadian company called it "unsustainable" to continue the partnership, despite the upcoming rebranding of the team. It was already known that the team would continue under a new name and abandon its Israeli identity.

The collaboration between Premier Tech and the team began in 2022 when the company became a co-title sponsor. According to Premier Tech, the original reason for supporting the team has been "overshadowed to a point where continuation is no longer possible." The team, which will be promoted to the WorldTour this winter, announced last month that a new name and identity is in the works. In a statement, the company thanked all riders and staff members for "four unforgettable seasons" and praised their professionalism both on and off the bike.

The decision follows a period of increasing controversy surrounding the team. Due to the ongoing war in Gaza, there were several protests against Israel-Premier Tech last season, especially at the Vuelta a España. Afterwards, the team was also refused entry by the organizers of the Giro dell’Emilia. Co-owner Sylvan Adams, who previously described himself as an "ambassador of Israel," has since partially withdrawn from daily management.

Israel-Premier Tech has a turbulent history with several name changes since its founding in 2015 as the Cycling Academy Team. Under the name Israel Start-Up Nation, the team first rode the Tour de France in 2020. How the new identity will look has not yet been announced, but the team recently emphasized that the continuation of the project remains the priority. A response from the team regarding Premier Tech's departure has not yet been issued.