Israel\u2019s participation in international sport has prompted intense debate over the last two years, amid Israel\u2019s war on Gaza.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can’t speak for Sylvan Adams, but I believe that once we have a stable peace, we will realise many projects at the highest level by welcoming the world. We are very optimistic people; we’ve already brought the Giro here; anything is possible,\u201d Lang said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lang told L\u2019Equipe that he has not yet discussed Israel hosting the Tour de France with the UCI\u2019s president, David Lappartient. But last year, Adams said he had discussed the idea with Tour de France organisers.<\/p>\n
![\"Israel\u2013Premier](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-2155692188.jpg\")
Israel\u2013Premier Tech riders said in October that it will change its name. Dario Belingheri \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n
Lang\u2019s comments on Israel hosting the Tour de France follow a tense cycling season, where there were protests against the participation of Israel\u2013Premier Tech at all three Grand Tours.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Protests disrupted much of the 2025 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, with demonstrators labelling Israel\u2013Premier Tech\u2019s participation as \u201csportswashing<\/a>\u201d. The protests led to riders expressing concern for their safety<\/a>, stages being shortened, and the final stage in Madrid being cancelled.\u00a0<\/p>\n Israel\u2013Premier Tech later withdrew from several races. Following pressure from sponsors, it revealed it would drop Israel from its name<\/a> and Adams would step back from the running of the team.\u00a0<\/p>\n Before the team said it would change its name, Barcelona, the host of the 2026 Tour de France Grand D\u00e9part, called for the team to be banned from the race.<\/p>\n