Israel-Premier Tech: Winning Bike Races and Making the World a Better Place

Professional cycling teams are often measured by their victories—stage wins, Grand Tour podiums, and championship titles. But Israel-Premier Tech (IPT) is proving that success isn’t just about crossing the finish line first. The team, founded in 2014 as Israel Cycling Academy, has grown into a WorldTour squad with a mission that extends far beyond racing.

From humanitarian initiatives to environmental sustainability, IPT is redefining what it means to be a professional cycling team. In this blog, we’ll explore how Israel-Premier Tech balances elite competition with a commitment to improving the world.

From Humble Beginnings to WorldTour Contenders

Israel-Premier Tech’s journey began in 2014 when Sylvan Adams, a Canadian-Israeli businessman and passionate cyclist, co-founded Israel Cycling Academy (ICA) with Ran Margaliot. The goal was simple: develop Israeli cycling talent and put the country on the global cycling map.

Starting as a Continental team, ICA steadily climbed the ranks, earning Pro Continental status in 2017. By 2020, the team secured a WorldTour license, becoming Israel Start-Up Nation. In 2022, a partnership with Canadian tech company Premier Tech led to the current name: Israel-Premier Tech.

Despite being one of the newer teams in the WorldTour, IPT has made an impact with riders like Chris Froome (four-time Tour de France winner), Michael Woods (2023 Tour de France stage winner), and rising star Derek Gee. But beyond the races, the team’s true legacy lies in its off-the-bike initiatives.

Humanitarian Efforts: Cycling for a Cause

1. Riding for Refugees

In 2022, Israel-Premier Tech partnered with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to raise awareness and funds for displaced people worldwide. The team wore special jerseys during the Tour de France, featuring the hashtag #RideForRefugees.

Sylvan Adams explained:

“Cycling is a global sport, and we have a responsibility to use our platform for good. Millions are displaced due to war and persecution—this is our way of contributing.”

The campaign raised over $500,000, supporting refugee education and healthcare programs.

2. Supporting Ukrainian Cyclists Amid War

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, IPT took action. The team provided financial aid, equipment, and training opportunities for Ukrainian cyclists affected by the conflict.

Ukrainian rider Andrii Ponomar, who was racing in Europe when the war broke out, found support from IPT. The team helped him continue competing while his family remained in a war zone.

3. Promoting Peace Through Sport

IPT actively promotes coexistence in the Middle East. The team includes Arab-Israeli riders, fostering unity in a region often divided by politics.

One standout story is that of Awet Gebremedhin, an Eritrean refugee who joined Israel Cycling Academy’s development squad. Gebremedhin’s journey from asylum seeker to professional cyclist embodies the team’s commitment to inclusivity.

Environmental Sustainability: Pedaling Towards a Greener Future

Professional cycling is inherently eco-friendly—bikes produce zero emissions. But IPT goes further by implementing sustainability initiatives:

1. Carbon-Neutral Races

The team offsets its carbon footprint from travel and logistics by investing in reforestation projects. In 2023, they partnered with One Tree Planted, pledging to plant a tree for every kilometer raced in the Tour de France.

2. Reducing Plastic Waste

IPT’s staff and riders use reusable bottles and biodegradable packaging at team hotels. They’ve also eliminated single-use plastics from team buses and events.

3. Advocating for Green Racing

The team pushes for more sustainable practices in pro cycling, such as:

• Electric support vehicles in races
• Recyclable race number bibs
• Eco-friendly event planning

Community Engagement: Inspiring the Next Generation

1. Youth Development Programs

Israel-Premier Tech runs cycling academies in Israel, Canada, and Rwanda, offering coaching and equipment to young riders. The Rwanda Cycling Academy, launched in 2020, has produced talented riders like Moise Mugisha, who now competes in Europe.

2. Women’s Cycling Initiatives

While IPT is a men’s WorldTour team, its owners support women’s cycling through sponsorships and development programs. Sylvan Adams has funded the Israel Women’s Cycling Team, helping female athletes compete internationally.

3. Charity Rides and Public Events

The team organizes mass-participation rides, including the Giro d’Italia Big Start in Israel (2018), which attracted over 30,000 amateur cyclists. These events promote health, community, and the joy of cycling.

Balancing Competition and Compassion

Some critics argue that a cycling team’s primary focus should be winning races. But IPT’s approach shows that success isn’t just about trophies—it’s about legacy.

Chris Froome, a key rider for the team, sums it up:

“We race to win, but we also race for something bigger. Knowing that our efforts help refugees, kids, and the planet gives extra meaning to every pedal stroke.”

A Team That Races for More

Israel-Premier Tech is proving that professional cycling can be a force for good. Whether through humanitarian aid, environmental action, or youth development, the team lives by the motto: “Winning races, changing lives.”

As they compete in the world’s biggest races, their impact extends far beyond the podium. In a sport often defined by individual glory, IPT stands out as a team racing for a better future.

How You Can Support Their Mission

• Follow @IsraelPremierTech on social media
• Donate to their #RideForRefugees campaign
• Participate in their charity rides

By supporting Israel-Premier Tech, you’re not just cheering for a cycling team—you’re backing a movement.