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During last month's Vuelta a Espana, the team faced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized actions regarding Israel's war in Gaza

Squad officials characterized the recent period as "a particularly challenging time" but recognized "the necessity for transformation"

"With steadfast commitment to our riders, team members, and important sponsors, the choice has been made to rebrand and restructure the team, moving departing from its current Israeli branding"

"Within sports, advancement often requires compromise, and this step is crucial to securing the long-term viability of the organization"

Team Background and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes several UK riders including multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Canadian-Israeli property billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

During the three-week Spanish tour, numerous protests and disruptions occurred, mainly focusing on the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

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

The last leg of the tour around Madrid was cancelled following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in scuffles with riders and blocked the route in several locations

Recent Changes

Within the restructuring, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily responsibilities and will cease act on the squad's representation

This 66-year-old businessman has been closely linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has previously described himself as a "unofficial ambassador to Israel"

Global Reaction

World professional cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will continue to welcome Israeli competitors at its competitions despite demands for sporting sanctions

Following United Nations commission findings that declared Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in the territory - a claim that the government rejects - there have been growing calls for the country to be suspended from international soccer competition

Background of Hostilities

Israeli military launched a operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern regions of the country on October 7th 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 others were captured

According to reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israeli military actions in the territory since then

Analysis: Business Image Factors

The decision constitutes a significant admission by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is causing unease in places such as professional sport

The owner's engagement in Israeli political affairs is widely recognized, though not officially designated

This team started primarily due to the owner's passion for professional cycling, and conviction that the activity can bring societies closer together in parts of the world away from its European traditional base

Regardless of several major cycling tour leg victories, Israel-Premier Tech has found the pace hard to maintain at points at the top tier, and is unable to afford to jeopardize sponsors such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

Being a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams understands that corporate image is paramount