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Throughout the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad experienced multiple disruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged actions regarding the Israeli war in Gaza

Team representatives described the recent period as "a particularly challenging period" but recognized "the necessity for change"

"Having strong dedication to our cyclists, team members, and valued partners, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the team, shifting departing from its current Israeli identity"

"Within sports, progress often demands sacrifice, and this step is crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of the organization"

Team Background and Composition

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

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

Recent Events and Demonstrations

During the three-week Vuelta, numerous protests and disruptions occurred, mainly targeting the participation of the cycling team

Midway through the race, the team ceased displaying their complete name on their cycling uniforms

The final leg of the tour around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and obstructed the route in several locations

Recent Developments

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

The 66-year-old businessman has been strongly linked with the Israeli government and has previously described himself as a "unofficial ambassador to the nation"

International Reaction

World cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will continue to accept Israel-based competitors at its events despite demands for athletic boycotts

Following UN investigation conclusions that stated Israel has performed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza - a claim that the government rejects - there have been growing demands for the country to be suspended from international football tournaments

Background of Conflict

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

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

Perspective: Corporate Image Factors

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

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

The team began primarily thanks to the owner's enthusiasm for professional cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite communities more together in regions of the globe away from its continental traditional base

Regardless of several major cycling tour stage victories, the team has found the pace challenging going at points at the elite level, and is unable to afford to jeopardize sponsors such as Canadian agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

As a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that business brand reputation is paramount