Canadian multinational Premier Tech announced on Friday it would end its sponsorship with Israel’s PT cycling team immediately following protests at multiple races throughout 2025, including disruptions at major events such as the Vuelta a España, Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.Pro-Palestinian protesters have targeted the team owned by Canadian-Israeli developer Sylvan Adams, leading to demonstrations at several races this year.Premier Tech initially asked the team to drop “Israel” from its name and adopt a new identity. The team agreed to move away from its Israeli identity.“After extensive discussions with the team and a careful assessment of all relevant circumstances, Premier Tech has made the decision to step down as title sponsor of the team with immediate effect,” the company said.“The primary reason for Premier Tech becoming a team sponsor has been obscured to the point where it has become unacceptable for us to continue as a sponsor,” the company added.Team owner Sylvan Adams, who has positioned himself as an unofficial ambassador for Israel, stepped down from day-to-day operations of the team in October and no longer serves as the team’s spokesman.Canadian cyclist Derek Gee said in October that the team was seeking millions of euros in damages after he quit because of his “personal position”.The cycling team has achieved significant milestones ahead of the controversy, joining the elite level of the World Tour Road Race ahead of the 2020 season.In July 2020, the team made headlines for four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome.The latest developments follow ongoing tensions surrounding the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, although the team is privately owned and not state-run.
