November 7/25 19:46 pm - Premier Tech Pulls Sponsorship of IPT

Posted by Editoress on 11/7/25
 

Canadian company Premier Tech has announced that it is pulling out as title co-sponsor of the Israel - Premier Tech ProTour team, effective immediately. The company has clearly been unhappy with the ongoing controversy regarding the team connection to Israel during the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The full statement:

"After multiple discussions with the team and careful assessment of all relevant circumstances, Premier Tech has decided to step down as co-title sponsor of the team taking effect immediately.

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.

First and foremost, we want to thank the team - riders and staff - for the four unforgettable seasons by their side, and to acknowledge their incredible accomplishments and professionalism, both on and off the road.

We have been involved in cycling for 30 years, but above all, we are passionate about our industries, our markets, our clients, and our team members since 1923. They are at the very heart of our purpose and why Premier Tech exists. We want each of these stakeholders to feel enthusiastic and proud to be associated with Premier Tech, its brands, its products, and its services.

Premier Tech's ambition in cycling has always been to build bridges across all levels of the sport, paving the way for athletes and staff to achieve their full potential. Supporting the growth of the sport, alongside the development of Québec and Canadian cyclists, is at the heart of this commitment - and will remain so in the future."

The team is under increasing pressure with its link to Israel - some recently retired riders have spoken out about being uncomfortable riding for the team, and the team has also been subject to numerous protests at races, which led to shortened stages at the Vuelta and the team eventually being uninvited from some late season races. Derek Gee, one of the team's biggest stars, announced he was leaving the team and is now embroiled in a legal battle with them.

The team has been advanced to the top WorldTeam level for 2026, based on its 2025 results, but that is now up in the air. The question is - what will happen going forward?

There are a few scenarios:

1. The team finds a replacement sponsor; this may be difficult if it still holds a connection to Israel in the minds of the general public. First, finding a sponsor willing to live with the potential fallout, and second stopping the exodus of riders.  [Note: the team has apparently registered the name "Cycling Academy"]

2. The current team owners sell the licence to a group unaffiliated with Israel, which might be difficult this late in the year before the start of the new season. An intriguing option could be Premier Tech taking over the licence and completely severing ties with Israeli sponsors, such as current team co-owner Sylvan Adams.

3. The team folds. This would be a very distressing scenario for Canadian riders, since there are a number of them still associated with the team - Pier-André Côté, Hugo Houle, Riley Pickrell.

The next few weeks will be critical for the survival of the team.