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Throughout last month's Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters staged actions regarding Israel's war in Gaza

Team officials characterized the past few months as "a particularly challenging time" but recognized "the necessity for transformation"

"With steadfast dedication to our cyclists, staff, and important partners, the decision has been made to rename and re-brand the squad, moving departing from its current Israeli branding"

"Within sports, advancement often requires sacrifice, and this step is crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of the team"

Team Background and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which features five UK cyclists among them four-time French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Canadian-Israeli property tycoon Sylvan Adams

Initially founded as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been supported by Canadian company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the 21-day Vuelta, multiple protests and disruptions took place, mainly targeting the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway during the competition, the squad ceased using their complete name on their cycling uniforms

The last stage of the race around Madrid was called off following Palestinian-supporting protests that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and blocked the course in multiple locations

Recent Changes

As part of the changes, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day role and will cease act on the team's behalf

This 66-year-old businessman has been closely associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has formerly referred to himself as a "unofficial representative to the nation"

Global Reaction

International professional cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will continue to accept Israeli competitors at its events despite demands for athletic sanctions

After UN investigation conclusions that stated Israel has performed genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza - a allegation that the government rejects - there have been increasing demands for the country to be suspended from international soccer competition

Context of Conflict

The Israeli defense forces initiated a operation in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-organized attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

Based on reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israeli attacks in the territory since that time

Perspective: Business Image Considerations

The decision represents a major admission by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is creating discomfort in environments such as professional sport

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

This squad started largely thanks to the owner's enthusiasm for professional cycling, and belief that the sport can unite societies closer together in parts of the world distant from its continental heartland

Regardless of some Grand Tour leg wins, the team has found the pace hard to maintain at points at the elite level, and is unable to risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

As a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that business image is paramount