Israel-Premier Tech: The sponsor withdraws despite the agreement

Israel-Premier Tech has been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters in connection with the war between Israel and Gaza, which was sparked by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed.

Israel responded by launching a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 68,800 people were killed, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Strip.

Although not directly referenced in the statements, Gee said joining the team had “burdened heavily on his conscience”, and said he was the subject of a €30m (£26m) compensation claim for breach of contract from the team.

A popular figure in the sport, Gee is considered one of the team’s best riders, having finished fourth in the Giro d’Italia in May.

Adams’ involvement in Israeli politics is well known, telling BBC Sport in 2020 that he was a “self-appointed ambassador to Israel”.

He supported the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a trip to the White House to supervise the signing of an agreement between Arab countries and Israel during the first term of US President Donald Trump in 2020.

Protests during the Vuelta affected many of the 21 stages during the three-week Grand Tour, including the cancellation of the final stage in Madrid, when protesters blocked the track with barricades and some riders were pushed from their bikes.

On Stage 5 during the team time trial, a banner was raised in front of the Israel-Premier Tech team as they approached quickly, knocking four of the eight riders off the stage.

Alongside Premier Tech’s concerns, the team’s bike supplier Factor has also requested changes for them to continue their association with the team in 2026.