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Key people at Israel Start-Up Nation / Israel Cycling Academy.
Israel Cycling Academy, also known as Israel Start-Up Nation, functions as a professional cycling team actively competing in major international road races and multi-stage events globally. The organization holds a prominent position within the UCI WorldTour, fielding a diverse roster of athletes in prestigious competitions such as the Grand Tours and various Classics throughout the season, attracting a wide international viewership. A core aspect of its mission involves identifying and nurturing emerging talent, providing a structured pathway for young riders to develop into professional cyclists on the international circuit. Concurrently, the team endeavors to elevate the sport's profile globally while specifically representing and showcasing Israeli innovation and spirit on the world stage. Its operational framework relies heavily on securing commercial sponsorships and adhering to the stringent licensing requirements inherent to professional cycling, funding its extensive logistical and competitive demands across multiple continents.
# Israel Start-Up Nation: A Professional Cycling Team
Israel Start-Up Nation is a professional cycling team, not a technology or investment firm. The organization competes at the WorldTour level—the highest tier of professional cycling—and participates in prestigious international races including the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a Espana.[1][2]
The team's mission extends beyond competitive racing: it aims to elevate and popularize cycling in Israel and emerging countries while developing Israeli cycling talent for the international stage.[5] The organization operates both a WorldTour squad and a Continental development team that serves as a training ground for young Israeli cyclists.[1]
Israel Start-Up Nation was founded in November 2014 as Israel Cycling Academy by Israeli businessman Ron Baron and pro cyclist Ran Margaliot, who sought to enable talented young cyclists to compete internationally and launch professional careers.[1][2] The pair's vision was to inspire a new generation of Israeli athletes in a sport where the country had minimal professional representation.
The project gained significant momentum when Sylvan Adams, an Israeli-Canadian billionaire philanthropist, joined as co-owner in 2015.[2] Adams became the major driver of the team's expansion, orchestrating a pivotal moment in 2018 when he brought the Giro d'Italia Grande Partenza (opening stage) to Israel—one of the largest sporting events in Israeli history.[2] This achievement provided the platform and credibility the team needed to pursue WorldTour status.
In 2019, the team acquired the WorldTour license from Team Katusha-Alpecin, rebranded as Israel Start-Up Nation, and jumped directly to professional cycling's top level.[2] The team brought in experienced WorldTour riders and fielded four Israeli cyclists—the first ever on a WorldTour team.[1]
Israel Start-Up Nation represents a model for sports development in emerging markets—demonstrating how strategic investment and international competition can establish professional infrastructure in countries without established cycling traditions. The team's success in hosting the 2018 Giro d'Italia start elevated Israel's profile in global cycling and created pathways for Israeli athletes who previously had limited opportunities at the professional level.[4]
The organization also reflects broader trends in professional cycling, where teams increasingly rely on diverse ownership models and philanthropic investment rather than traditional corporate sponsorship alone.
The team's ownership structure has undergone significant changes. As of 2025, Israel Start-Up Nation has transitioned to NSN Cycling, with the license now owned by an international sports and entertainment company backed by Swiss investment bank Stoneweg.[3] This shift signals Sylvan Adams's exit from the project after a decade of leadership, though the team continues to operate at the WorldTour level under manager Kjell Carlström.[3]
The rebranding reflects evolving investment priorities while maintaining the team's competitive presence in professional cycling. The organization's future will likely depend on sustaining its WorldTour status and continuing to develop Israeli cycling talent through its development structure.
Key people at Israel Start-Up Nation / Israel Cycling Academy.
