New kit, new name: Israel – Premier Tech takes new measures ahead of racing in Canada

The first reports of a changed Israel-Premier Tech came in the early afternoon. Journalist Daniel Friebe reported that the team had decided to ride with a new jersey. The team would ride without the name ‘Israel’ on their jerseys for the rest of the Vuelta. Incidentally, the Brit reported that the team would not be changing its name permanently, as other journalists had suggested.

Confirmation came later that day. Marco Frigo posed in the new, slightly modified kit. "In the interest of prioritizing the safety of our riders and the entire peloton, in light of the dangerous nature of some protests at the Vuelta, Israel – Premier Tech has issued riders with team monogram-branded kit for the remainder of the race," the team said in a statement via social media: no more Israel on the team's jerseys.

But otherwise, little has changed. “The team name remains Israel – Premier Tech but the monogram kit now aligns with the branding decisions we have previously adopted for our vehicles and casual clothing.” The team has also kept the old design: the logo, based on the Star of David, is still visible. No other measures have been taken yet, and Israel-Premier Tech will remain in the Vuelta.

However, the team fears that it will be just as hostile outside Spain. On Thursday morning, the day before the GP Québec, a small protest was already visible in front of the riders' hotel. Israel - Premier Tech, therefore, wants to take a new step. In addition to the new jerseys, the name will also be different. Starting with the Canadian races, the team will race under the abbreviation IPT.

This has been confirmed by Joseph Limare, race director of the Canadian one-day races. “The request came directly from the team,” said the Canadian. “They asked us to remove the name ‘Israel’. They will also ride in different kits during our races.” There are concerns that protesters want to interrupt the race. “These people have the right to express themselves, regardless of the police situation,” Limare said in response.