The Israel team loses its main sponsor but asks the cyclists not to leave

Even the announced name change of Israel-Premier Tech has not been enough for the Canadian company to finally decide to end its sponsorship. This leaves the team with barely a month to meet all the requirements expected of World Tour teams, in a tremendously delicate situation regarding its continuity in 2016.

Premier Tech ends sponsorship despite the team's name change to Israel

“The fundamental reason why Premier Tech sponsored the team has been overshadowed to such an extent that it has become unsustainable for us to continue as sponsors,” with this brief statement, the Canadian agritech firm has decided to conclude its collaboration with the Israel cycling team after the controversies and protests that have accompanied them in recent months, culminating during La Vuelta a España.

And although initially the Canadian firm had set the condition of changing the team's name as a prerequisite for the continuation of the sponsorship, this has also proven insufficient, and the discontent of the various stakeholders surrounding the company has led the brand to conclude its relationship with the Israel team.

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“We have been involved in cycling for 30 years, but above all, since 1923 we are passionate about our sectors, our markets, our customers, and the members of our team. They are the essence of our purpose and the reason for being of Premier Tech. We want each of these stakeholders to feel excited and proud to be associated with Premier Tech, its brands, its products, and its services,” could be read in the statement issued by the brand.

Although initially registered in the World Tour after regaining the spot that the team lost three years ago, Cycling Academy, the name under which it appears on the provisional UCI list, must now pass the audit to which the UCI subjects teams registered in the World Tour, and if they do not pass it, they would still have until December 10 to meet the financial requirements.

However, without the support of Premier Tech and with barely a month ahead, it seems complicated that this can happen, although there would always be the option for the team owner, Sylvain Adams, to increase his contribution to meet the UCI's economic requirements. Meanwhile, if Cycling Academy does not pass the initial audit, as seems likely, according to UCI regulations, its cyclists would be free to sign with whoever they choose.

To avoid an exodus, Cycling Academy has contacted cyclists and staff of the squad, explaining that they are in touch with several potential sponsors who could fill the gap left by Premier Tech.