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Throughout last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad experienced several disruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters organized protests regarding the Israeli military campaign in Gaza

Squad representatives described the recent period as "an incredibly challenging time" but recognized "the necessity for transformation"

"Having strong commitment to our riders, staff, and valued partners, the decision has been made to rename and re-brand the team, shifting departing from its present Israeli branding"

"In sport, advancement often demands sacrifice, and this measure is crucial to securing the long-term viability of the organization"

Team History and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which features several UK cyclists including multiple Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Canadian-Israeli real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

Originally established as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, the team has been supported by Canada-based corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Protests

During the three-week Spanish tour, multiple protests and disruptions took place, mainly focusing on the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the competition, the squad ceased displaying their full name on their cycling uniforms

The final stage of the race around the Spanish capital was cancelled following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and obstructed the course in several locations

Recent Developments

Within the restructuring, squad owner Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day role and will cease act on the team's representation

The sixty-six-year-old businessman has been closely associated with the Israeli government and has previously described himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

International Reaction

World cycling governing body the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israel-based competitors at its events despite demands for athletic sanctions

Following UN investigation findings that declared Israel has performed mass killing against Palestinians in Gaza - a allegation that the government denies - there have been increasing demands for the country to be banned from global soccer tournaments

Background of Conflict

The Israeli military launched a campaign in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-organized attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

According to reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israeli military actions in the territory since that time

Analysis: Corporate Image Considerations

The decision constitutes a significant acknowledgment by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is creating unease in places such as professional sport

Adams' engagement in Israel's political affairs is widely recognized, though not officially assigned

The squad began primarily thanks to the owner's passion for cycling, and conviction that the activity can unite societies more united in parts of the globe away from its European heartland

Despite several major cycling tour stage victories, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace challenging going at points at the elite tier, and cannot afford to jeopardize sponsors such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

Being a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that business brand reputation is everything