We have to admit, this story doesn’t make much sense on the surface. One day, a young man wakes up and weaves a wild dream: a professional cycling team with an Israeli birth certificate in a place where the concepts of “professionalism” and “cycling” had never crossed paths before.
But those who know Ran Margaliot, the visionary behind this idea—which this month celebrates its 10th anniversary as the Academy — understand that rational thinking is not necessarily a required ingredient for him. Perhaps it’s even the opposite: when endless quantities of belief, passion, and determination merge, they create a crystal-clear vision in his mind.
Then came those who joined forces to turn this vision into reality: The founder Ron Baron and Sylvan Adams, who quickly joined and infused the project with the massive energy and momentum that burns within him. Alongside them were hundreds of riders and staff who have, since December 2014, led this incredible journey through its lows and highs, through disappointments, but mostly through moments where seemingly insurmountable barriers were shattered.
We’ve gathered 10 of these moments in the video before you: the team’s first-ever win, the young Israeli (Guy Sagiv) who broke the Grand Tour barrier, Guy Niv who fulfilled the dream of riding the Tour de France, the three tear-jerking victories in the biggest race in the world, and the phenomenal peak season that came in our 10th year. These are the moments that became milestones and the heroes who made them happen: Sagiv, Turek, Woods, Clarke, Houle, Gee, Williams, Einhorn, Kogut, and many others who wove this history.
Yet, it’s some of these milestones that aren’t tied to victories on the track that truly define this initiative, giving it an identity far beyond just another sports team. The historic Giro d’Italia Grande Partenza in Jerusalem served as a cornerstone of the team’s vision to revolutionize cycling in Israel while propelling Israeli talent to break through glass ceilings and carry Israel’s name worldwide.
And, of course, the establishment of the bike center – the Field of Dreams— in the heart of remote villages in Rwanda as part of our commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), offering opportunities to children and youth who so richly deserve them. The Academy of 2014, now known as Israel – Premier Tech, has never been just a cycling team.
This journey, we wholeheartedly believe, is far from over. There are still missions to accomplish and peaks to conquer. The greatest moments, we dare to hope, are still ahead. But now is the time to reflect on the road we’ve traveled—perhaps to remind ourselves of what remains to be done.
So, watch our 10-year video. We’d love for you to share the moments that moved you in this video—or others that left a deep impression on you.
Video by NOORvisuals.
