The president of the Israel Cycling Federation, Dafna Lang, has suggested Israel could one day host the Tour de France Grand Départ.
Israel previously hosted the inaugural stage of the 2018 Giro d’Italia, under the leadership of Canadian–Israeli billionaire and co-founder of Israel–Premier Tech, Sylvan Adams. It was the first time a Grand Tour started outside Europe, with three stages in Israel, including a time trial in Jerusalem.
Now, Lang says he has discussed the idea of hosting the first stage of the Tour de France in Israel with Adams. “I can't tell you right now that we're going to bid for the Tour de France or organize it, but we never stop dreaming," Lang told L’Equipe.
Israel’s participation in international sport has prompted intense debate over the last two years, amid Israel’s war on Gaza.
“I 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,” Lang said.
Lang told L’Equipe that he has not yet discussed Israel hosting the Tour de France with the UCI’s president, David Lappartient. But last year, Adams said he had discussed the idea with Tour de France organisers.
Lang’s comments on Israel hosting the Tour de France follow a tense cycling season, where there were protests against the participation of Israel–Premier Tech at all three Grand Tours.
Protests disrupted much of the 2025 Vuelta a España, with demonstrators labelling Israel–Premier Tech’s participation as “sportswashing”. The protests led to riders expressing concern for their safety, stages being shortened, and the final stage in Madrid being cancelled.
Israel–Premier Tech later withdrew from several races. Following pressure from sponsors, it revealed it would drop Israel from its name and Adams would step back from the running of the team.
Before the team said it would change its name, Barcelona, the host of the 2026 Tour de France Grand Départ, called for the team to be banned from the race.
The UCI’s list of road cycling teams for 2026 has Israel–Premier Tech listed as Cycling Academy, but a spokesperson for the team told BikeRadar this is a placeholder before announcing a new name.
Amaury Sports Organisation, the organisers of the Tour de France, did not immediately respond to BikeRadar’s request for comment.
