Sponsors add to pressure on Israel Premier-Tech to change team name after Vuelta backlash
Cycling team faces sponsor ultimatum over inclusion of ‘Israel’ in name
- The cycling team Israel Premier-Tech is facing mounting pressure from its main sponsors to change its name following widespread pro-Palestine protests.
- Bike sponsor Factor and title sponsor Premier-Tech have both urged the team to remove 'Israel' from its name, with Factor saying it will not continue its relationship without a name and flag change.
- The team, owned by Canadian-Israeli billionaire Sylvan Adams, has been used as a promotional vehicle for Israel, despite the majority of its riders being foreign nationals.
- Widespread demonstrations targeted the team during the Vuelta a Espana, causing significant disruptions, stage cancellations, and leading to the team briefly removing 'Israel' from their jerseys.
- Race organisers in Spain and Canada have also expressed discomfort, with some, including O Gran Camiño, announcing they will not invite Israel Premier-Tech to future events.