Imagine being caught in the crossfire of a storm you had no part in creating. That’s exactly what happened to the Israel - Premier Tech cycling team during the chaotic end of the 2025 season, and former DS Francesco Frassi is now speaking out about the unfair treatment they endured. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the team carried the name 'Israel,' they were a group of athletes and staff who found themselves targeted for reasons entirely beyond their control. Was it fair to single them out? And this is the part most people miss—the human toll of being thrust into a political maelstrom while simply trying to compete in the sport they love.
In a candid interview with Bici.Pro, Frassi shed light on the surge of protests that began at the Vuelta a Espana and quickly spread to races in Italy and France. These demonstrations didn’t just disrupt the team’s ability to compete—they forced late-season withdrawals and created an atmosphere of constant tension. Frassi, who remained with the organization through its rebranding to the NSN Cycling Team in 2026, emphasized the frustration of being penalized for a political issue. “What did we have to do with it? We were a cycling team,” he remarked, highlighting the disconnect between their identity as athletes and the external conflicts they were dragged into.
Here’s the bold truth: the team’s association with the name 'Israel' made them an easy target, despite the owner’s genuine passion for cycling. Frassi pointed out the irony: while other high-profile events, like a football World Cup qualifier between Italy and Israel, remained untouched, the open-road nature of cycling made it vulnerable to protests. This raises a thought-provoking question: Should sports teams ever bear the brunt of political disputes? Or should they be allowed to compete in peace, regardless of their branding?
The hostility wasn’t confined to Spain. Even in France, at the Grand Prix d’Isbergues, riders and staff faced middle fingers and shouted insults. “It was not a nice situation,” Frassi recalled. “They portrayed you as an indecent person when you are not.” This emotional toll, combined with logistical uncertainty, made the final months of the season a nightmare. Yet, Frassi praised the riders for their resilience and the team manager, Kjell Carlstrom, for keeping morale steady through transparent communication.
The transition to the NSN Cycling Team has brought much-needed relief. Frassi described the new setup as a breath of fresh air, with a clear path forward and a renewed focus on cycling. “We are happy,” he declared, emphasizing the team’s enthusiasm, motivation, and relaxed atmosphere. But as we reflect on their story, it’s worth asking: How should sports organizations navigate political controversies? And what responsibility do fans and protesters have in ensuring athletes can compete without fear? Let’s discuss—what’s your take?
