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During last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced multiple disruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters staged protests regarding the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Squad representatives described the recent period as "a particularly challenging period" but recognized "the necessity for change"

"With strong dedication to our riders, team members, and important sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the team, moving away from its current Israel-linked branding"

"In sport, advancement often requires sacrifice, and this measure is essential to securing the long-term viability of the team"

Team History and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features five British cyclists among them multiple French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Israeli-Canadian real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

Initially established as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the team has been sponsored by Canadian company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple demonstrations and disruptions occurred, primarily targeting the participation of the cycling team

Halfway through the race, the squad ceased displaying their full name on their jerseys

The last leg of the race around the Spanish capital was cancelled following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that resulted in altercations with cyclists and obstructed the course in multiple places

Recent Changes

As part of the restructuring, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day responsibilities and will cease act on the team's representation

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has previously referred to himself as a "unofficial representative to Israel"

International Response

World professional cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will continue to welcome Israeli athletes at its competitions despite calls for athletic sanctions

Following United Nations commission findings that declared Israel has performed mass killing against Palestinian people in Gaza - a claim that Israel denies - there have been increasing demands for the nation to be suspended from global football competition

Context of Conflict

The Israeli defense forces initiated a operation in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern regions of the country on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were murdered and 251 others were taken hostage

According to data from the territory's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israel's military actions in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Corporate Image Considerations

This choice represents a major admission by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is causing discomfort in places such as elite athletics

The owner's engagement in Israeli politics is widely recognized, though not officially designated

This team began largely due to the owner's enthusiasm for cycling, and belief that the sport can unite societies closer together in parts of the globe away from its European heartland

Regardless of some Grand Tour stage wins, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace challenging going at points at the elite level, and cannot risk to lose sponsors such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

Being a billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that business image is everything