A cycling team's resilience in the face of adversity: an inspiring story of unity and strength.
"We were just a cycling team, yet we became the target of hostility and unfair treatment." These powerful words come from Francesco Frassi, the former Israel - Premier Tech DS, as he reflects on the chaotic end to the 2025 season.
The team, now known as NSN Cycling Team, faced an unprecedented challenge during the Vuelta a Espana and subsequent races in Italy and France. Protests erupted, and the team found themselves in the midst of a political storm, with riders and staff bearing the brunt of the backlash.
But here's where it gets controversial: Frassi argues that the team had nothing to do with the political issue at hand. "We carried the name Israel, but our owner's passion was for cycling. It's unfair that we paid the price for something beyond our control."
The protests led to race cancellations and a reshuffled calendar, forcing the team to withdraw from late-season events. Frassi, who has been with the organization throughout its transition, describes the most difficult aspect as being singled out for something wholly unrelated to cycling.
"It was more than stress; it was annoying. We were just doing what we love, yet we became the focus of anger and disruption."
The situation escalated, with race organizers in Italy fearing that protests could prevent their events from taking place. Ultimately, the team made the difficult decision to withdraw from certain races, ensuring their safety and WorldTour status.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of these protests extended beyond the race cancellations. Roadside hostility created an uncomfortable environment, with riders facing ugly gestures and verbal abuse, even outside Spain. Frassi highlights how cycling's open-road nature made it an easy target for protests, unlike other major events like football matches.
Despite the challenges, the riders demonstrated remarkable calm and resilience. "They handled the situation with grace and took an early start to their off-season."
The transition to NSN Cycling brought a much-needed sense of relief and renewed energy. Team manager Kjell Carlstrom played a crucial role in keeping the staff informed and reassured during the uncertain times. The new structure provided a clear path forward, allowing the team to focus on cycling once again, free from political distractions.
Frassi concludes that the rebranded setup has boosted morale, with the team feeling more relaxed, motivated, and enthusiastic. "We're ready to set our programs and objectives. In one word: we're happy."
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity within the cycling community. It raises important questions: Should sports be a platform for political protests? How can we ensure athletes and teams are not unfairly targeted? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
