Retired Danish cyclist admits relief at leaving 'Israel'-backed cycling team

Danish professional road racing cyclist Jakob Fuglsang has officially ended his professional cycling career, crossing the finish line for the last time on home soil at the Tour of Denmark.

The 40-year-old Dane, who most recently rode with Israel Premier Tech, looked back on his journey in an interview with Danish outlet Feltet.

Fuglsang’s career began in 2006 with Team Designa Køkken before stints at Saxo Bank, Leopard Trek, and Radioshack-Nissan. In 2022, he joined Israel Premier Tech, closing out his career with the Canadian-'Israeli' funded team.

Reflecting on leaving the squad, Fuglsang was candid about his relief at no longer racing in its colors.

“Of course, it’s nicer to be without. I don’t want to get myself involved in what’s happening politically, but it’s definitely nicer to ride around without the Israel logo than with the Israel logo,” he said.

His comments come after a turbulent period for the team. During stage 6 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, protesters halted the race to denounce Israel Premier Tech’s presence in the peloton. Fuglsang downplayed the episode but admitted that the optics of competing under the team’s banner were not ideal.

“I actually didn’t experience that. With or without Israel-PremierTech at the start, there probably still would have been demonstrations. You also see climate protests during the Tour de France. These are big events with a lot of media attention. That said, it’s better to ride without [the logo].”

Other riders have also voiced unease. Alessandro De Marchi, a veteran of the professional circuit, recently remarked, “I wouldn’t sign a contract with Israel.”

The team, backed by Canadian-'Israeli' businessman Sylvain Adams, has long courted both investment and controversy. Adams, who has financed the squad since 2015, made headlines by bringing the Giro d’Italia’s 2018 start to 'Israel', the first time the Italian Grand Tour opened outside Europe. Israel Premier Tech is now preparing for a promotion into the UCI WorldTour.