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During the recent Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced several disruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized protests regarding the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip

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

"Having steadfast dedication to our riders, team members, and valued partners, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the squad, shifting departing from its present Israel-linked identity"

"Within sports, advancement often demands compromise, and this step is crucial to ensuring the future of the team"

Squad History and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features several British cyclists including multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Israeli-Canadian real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

Originally established as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been supported by Canadian company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the three-week Spanish tour, multiple demonstrations and disruptions occurred, mainly focusing on the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway through the race, the team stopped using their full name on their cycling uniforms

The last stage of the tour around the Spanish capital was called off following pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and blocked the course in several locations

Recent Changes

As part of the changes, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily role and will cease speak on the team's representation

This sixty-six-year-old businessman has been closely linked with the Israeli administration and has previously described himself as a "unofficial representative to the nation"

International Response

World cycling governing body the UCI has stated it will continue to accept Israel-based competitors at its events despite calls for sporting boycotts

Following United Nations commission findings that declared the nation has committed mass killing against Palestinians in Gaza - a claim that Israel denies - there have been growing demands for the nation to be suspended from global football tournaments

Background of Hostilities

Israeli military initiated a operation in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7th 2023, during which about 1,200 people were murdered and 251 others were taken hostage

According to reports from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Business Branding Factors

This choice constitutes a major acknowledgment by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Israeli branding is creating discomfort in environments such as elite athletics

The owner's engagement in Israeli political affairs is well known, though not formally designated

This team started primarily thanks to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and belief that the sport can unite societies closer united in parts of the world distant from its continental traditional base

Regardless of several Grand Tour leg victories, the team has found the competition level challenging to maintain at points at the elite tier, and is unable to risk to lose financial backers such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

As a billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that corporate brand reputation is everything