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Throughout last month's Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced multiple interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters staged protests regarding the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip

Squad representatives described the recent period as "an incredibly difficult period" but acknowledged "the need for transformation"

"Having steadfast commitment to our riders, team members, and important sponsors, the choice has been made to rename and re-brand the squad, shifting away from its present Israel-linked branding"

"In sport, advancement often requires sacrifice, and this measure is essential to securing the future of the organization"

Squad Background and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes five British riders including multiple Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams

Originally founded as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the team has been sponsored by Canadian corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Events and Protests

During the three-week Vuelta, multiple protests and interruptions occurred, mainly targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the race, the squad stopped displaying their complete name on their jerseys

The final leg of the tour around the Spanish capital was called off following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that caused altercations with cyclists and obstructed the route in multiple places

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day role and will cease act on the squad's behalf

The sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has previously described himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to Israel"

Global Reaction

World professional cycling governing body the UCI has declared it will continue to accept Israeli athletes at its competitions despite calls for sporting boycotts

Following United Nations investigation conclusions that declared Israel has performed genocide against Palestinian people in the territory - a allegation that Israel rejects - there have been increasing calls for the country to be suspended from international soccer competition

Context of Conflict

Israeli defense forces initiated a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led assault on southern regions of the country on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

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

Perspective: Business Branding Factors

This choice constitutes a significant admission by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is creating unease in environments such as professional athletics

Adams' involvement in Israel's political affairs is widely recognized, though not officially designated

This team began largely thanks to Adams' enthusiasm for cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite communities closer together in parts of the world away from its continental heartland

Despite several Grand Tour stage victories, the team has found the competition level hard to maintain at points at the elite tier, and cannot afford to lose financial backers such as Canadian pesticide specialists Premier Tech

Being a multi-billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that business image is paramount