Premier Tech Ends Israel Cycling Team Sponsorship

Canadian agricultural and industrial technology company Premier Tech announced on Friday that it is ending its co-title sponsorship of the Israel-Premier Tech professional cycling team, effective immediately, following a season marked by widespread protests over the team's Israeli ties.

The decision comes despite the team's pledge last month to rebrand for the 2026 season, shifting away from its Israeli identity after more than a decade of operation. Premier Tech, based in Quebec, stated that the controversies surrounding the team had overshadowed its original sponsorship goals. "Although we took notice of the team's decision to change its name for the 2026 season, the core reason for Premier Tech to sponsor the team has been overshadowed to a point where it has become untenable for us to continue as a sponsor," the company said in a statement. It expressed appreciation for the team's riders and staff over four seasons, highlighting their accomplishments and professionalism.

The Israel-Premier Tech team, founded in 2014 by Ron Baron and Ran Margaliot and based in Israel, has faced repeated disruptions from pro-Palestinian demonstrators at major European races this year. Protests...