Factor Bikes has terminated its contract with Israel–Premier Tech and Scott Bikes is stepping in to provide the troubled team with bikes, reports suggest.
Scott has reportedly arrived at the team’s service course in Girona, although it's unclear whether the bike brand will be a lead sponsor, according to Daniel Benson’s Cycling Substack.
The departure of Factor Bikes follows Premier Tech revealing it would leave the team earlier this month. Premier Tech announced this week that it will sponsor St Michel – Preference Home – Auber93 for the next two seasons.
Israel–Premier Tech is currently undergoing a rebrand, after Factor Bikes and Premier Tech said they would only stay on as sponsors if the team ended its affiliation with Israel.
But it now appears Factor Bikes is joining Premier Tech in leaving the team despite its rebranding.
This follows a season marred by protests against the team’s participation in races in light of Israel’s war on Gaza. Protestors at Vuelta a Espana labelled the team’s participation as “sportswashing”.
The timing is also notable for Scott Bikes, after Q36.5 Pro Cycling announced a partnership with Pinarello, which will now provide Tom Pidcock with bikes for riding on and off the road. This left Scott Bikes without a team in the WorldTour.
Factor Bikes and Scott Bikes are yet to comment.
