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 their former DS, Francesco Frassi, is now speaking out about the unfair treatment they 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 their situation. ‘Yes, we carried the name Israel, but from a sporting perspective, the owner’s passion for cycling was undeniable. Yet, we were the ones paying the price for a political issue.’
And this is the part most people miss: the team’s open-road nature made them 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 constant 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 chaos, 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 renewed sense of relief and energy, with Frassi describing the team as ‘well-equipped, highly motivated, and definitely more relaxed than before.’
But here’s the question that lingers: Should sports teams ever be held accountable for political conflicts they have no control over? Frassi’s account invites us to consider the broader implications of targeting athletes and staff in such situations. As the NSN Cycling Team looks ahead to 2026, their story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of political unrest—and the resilience required to rise above it. What’s your take? Do you think the team was unfairly targeted, or is there more to the story? Let’s discuss in the comments!
