Cycling team drops 'Israeli' identity amid pro-Palestinian demonstrations

• Israel-Premier Tech cycling team rebrands as NSN Cycling Team starting in 2026.
• Team will relocate to Barcelona and Girona under NSN and Stoneweg ownership.
• Rebranding follows disruptions from pro-Palestinian protests in Spain and Italy.

The Israel-Premier Tech cycling team will officially race under a new name, NSN Cycling Team, starting in 2026.

The team’s rebranding follows repeated disruptions by pro-Palestinian protesters during this year’s Spanish Vuelta and its exclusion from a race in Italy.

The team will relocate to Spain, establishing bases in Barcelona and Girona, a renowned hub for professional cyclists. The transition comes after international sports and entertainment company NSN (Never Say Never) and Swiss investment platform Stoneweg assumed control of the team structure. NSN was co-founded by soccer legend Andres Iniesta, who played nearly 700 games for Barcelona and led Spain to the 2010 World Cup.

“This new era marks a significant milestone in the growth of the team and an opportunity to join forces with organizations united by shared values of ambition, excellence, and the drive to inspire through sport,” NSN said in a statement.

Kjell Carlström will remain as general manager. “We are proud to welcome NSN and Stoneweg to the team and announce our new name and identity,” Carlström said.

During the Spanish Vuelta earlier this year, protests disrupted several stages over objections to the Israel-Premier Tech team’s participation. Authorities in Madrid estimated more than 100,000 demonstrators gathered during the final stage, which was ultimately cut short.

Premier Tech, a Canadian multinational based in Quebec, had served as the title sponsor of the team co-owned by Israeli Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams. The rebranding and relocation aim to provide a fresh start for the team while aligning with NSN and Stoneweg’s broader sporting and investment ambitions.