Dafna Lang of Israel Joins European Cycling Union Board

Dafna Lang, Chair of the Israel Cycling Federation, has made history as the first Israeli elected to the board of the European Cycling Union (UEC). Her election, secured by an overwhelming majority of 32 representatives from across Europe, reflects the growing recognition of Israeli cycling on the global stage.

Lang’s appointment is the latest milestone in Israel’s rapid rise in professional cycling, a movement largely fueled by the vision and contributions of Sylvan Adams. Over the past decade, Adams has transformed Israel into a hub for competitive cycling, founding the country’s first professional cycling team and bringing the Giro d’Italia to Israel in a historic race event.

Under Lang’s leadership, Israeli cycling has gained significant international visibility, bolstered by the success of the Israel-Premier Tech team, the country’s only professional squad competing at the sport’s highest level. Lang sees her new role as an opportunity to strengthen Israel’s position in the cycling world.

“It is a great honor for me to represent Israel on the European board,” Lang said. “I believe my election will contribute to the development of cycling both in Israel and internationally, further strengthening Israel’s standing in global cycling.”

The Israel Cycling Federation praised Lang’s achievement, emphasizing that it would not have been possible without Sylvan Adams' relentless support.

Adams, who has championed the sport’s growth in Israel, celebrated Lang’s appointment as a defining moment.

“Israeli cycling is the best ambassador for the State of Israel,” Adams said. “Following Mikhail Yakovlev’s success as world vice-champion, Israeli cycling is setting another record with Dafna Lang’s election to the European Cycling Union. This is a significant step that underscores Israel’s presence in international cycling.”

Adams also reaffirmed his ambition for cycling to become one of Israel’s “big three” sports, alongside football and basketball.

“As Tal Brody once said about Israeli basketball, I say this about Israeli cycling: ‘We are on the map.’”

With Lang’s election, Israel has secured a critical seat at the table in shaping the future of European cycling. This achievement not only highlights the country’s growing presence in the sport but also paves the way for even greater success on the world stage.

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