Imagine being caught in the crossfire of a political storm, all while simply trying to focus on the sport you love. 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 riders and staff endured. But here’s where it gets controversial: was the team truly to blame, or were they just convenient targets in a much larger conflict? Frassi, who has remained with the organization through its rebranding to the NSN Cycling Team in 2026, sheds light on the turmoil that went far beyond the race course.
In a candid interview with Bici.Pro, Frassi detailed 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 performance—they forced late-season withdrawals and left riders and staff feeling isolated and misunderstood. ‘What did we have to do with it? We were a cycling team,’ Frassi remarked, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. ‘Yes, we carried the name Israel, but from a sporting perspective, the owner’s passion for cycling was the driving force. Yet, we were the ones paying the price for a political issue.’
And this is the part most people miss: the open-road nature of cycling made it an easy target for protests, unlike more controlled events like football matches. Frassi recalled instances of hostility, from middle fingers and shouted insults at the Grand Prix d’Isbergues in France to the fear that races might be canceled altogether. ‘It was not a nice situation,’ he said. ‘They portrayed you as an indecent person when you are not.’
Despite the stress, Frassi praised the riders for their resilience and team manager Kjell Carlstrom for his steady leadership. ‘He always gave us reassurance and kept everyone informed, which helped us stay calm,’ Frassi noted. The transition to the NSN Cycling Team has brought a sense of relief and renewed energy, with morale now ‘markedly higher’ and the team eager to focus on their programs and objectives. ‘In one word: we are happy,’ Frassi concluded.
But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should sports teams ever be held accountable for political issues beyond their control? Or should they be allowed to compete in peace, regardless of external conflicts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
