Canadian company Premier Tech new title sponsor of Alpecin cycling team
Canadian technology company Premier Tech is replacing Deceuninck as co-sponsor of the Belgian cycling team owned by brothers Philip and Christophe Roodhooft, known as Alpecin-Premier Tech from 1 January. Until recently, Premier Tech was joint main sponsor with the Israel Cycling Team. Alpecin-Premier Tech's riders include top cyclists Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen.
Until recently, Canadian company Premier Tech was joint main sponsor with the Israel Cycling Team, but severed ties last month because the partnership was “no longer tenable” after several incidents, such as the pro-Palestinian protests against the team’s riders during the Vuelta.
An agreement has now been reached with Philip and Christophe Roodhooft's Alpecin until the end of 2028, with an option to extend for the same period. Their WorldTeam will remain a Belgian team, the Roodhooft brothers emphasised during a press conference in Antwerp at the offices of Crelan, the team's banking partner.
Meanwhile, the selection for next year is complete. The team will consist of 30 riders. There are eight new faces, including Belgian sprinter Gerben Thijssen, who is transferring from the Intermarché - Wanty team. Hugo Houle, who previously rode for Israel Premier Tech, will represent Canada in the team.
Premier Tech CEO Jéan Belanger made a trip to Antwerp for the occasion. He explained that his good relationship with the Roodhooft brothers was ultimately the deciding factor. “I also received many emails and WhatsApp messages from other people who were interested in Premier Tech, but they were too opportunistic,” he said.
"This also creates opportunities for riders from Canada"
Belanger also hopes that this collaboration will put cycling more on the map in his home country of Canada and the rest of North America. The arrival of Hugo Houle to the team should also be seen in this context. “This is important because it creates opportunities for riders from Canada,” he emphasised.
Alpecin-Premier Tech's budget will be “on the rise” in 2026, but exact figures were not announced on Friday. An average WorldTeam operates with an estimated budget of 25 to 30 million euros.
The women's team will continue as Fenix-Premier Tech. At Fenix-Premier Tech, Belgian Lotte Claes, winner of the important Omloop Het Nieuwsblad race, is the most notable newcomer.
#FlandersNewsService | Presentation of Canadian company Premier Tech as new title sponsor of the Belgian Alpecin cycling team © BELGA PHOTO TOON SACRE