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Throughout last month's Vuelta a Espana, the team experienced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized protests against the Israeli war in Gaza

Squad representatives characterized the past few months as "a particularly challenging time" but acknowledged "the need for change"

"With strong dedication to our cyclists, team members, and important partners, the decision has been made to rename and re-brand the squad, moving away from its present Israel-linked identity"

"Within sports, advancement often requires sacrifice, and this step is essential to securing the future of the team"

Team History and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes five British riders including multiple Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Canadian-Israeli property tycoon Sylvan Adams

Initially founded as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, the team has been supported by Canada-based company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous protests and interruptions took place, mainly targeting the participation of the cycling team

Midway during the competition, the team ceased displaying their full name on their cycling uniforms

The last stage of the tour around Madrid was cancelled following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that resulted in altercations with cyclists and blocked the course in multiple locations

Recent Developments

Within the restructuring, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily responsibilities and will cease speak on the team's behalf

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

International Response

World cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will persist to accept Israel-based athletes at its events despite demands for sporting boycotts

After United Nations commission findings that stated Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza - a claim that Israel denies - there have been growing calls for the nation to be suspended from global football tournaments

Context of Hostilities

Israeli defense forces initiated a operation in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-led attack on southern the country on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 additional people were captured

Based on data from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israel's military actions in the territory since then

Analysis: Corporate Image Considerations

The choice represents a significant admission by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Israeli branding is causing unease in environments such as professional sport

The owner's engagement in Israeli political affairs is widely recognized, although not formally designated

The squad started primarily thanks to the owner's passion for professional cycling, and conviction that the sport can bring societies more together in regions of the world distant from its European traditional base

Regardless of several Grand Tour stage wins, Israel-Premier Tech has found the pace hard going at points at the elite tier, and is unable to afford to lose sponsors such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

Being a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that corporate image is everything