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During the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized actions regarding the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip

Team officials described the recent period as "an incredibly challenging period" but acknowledged "the necessity for transformation"

"With steadfast commitment to our riders, staff, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the team, moving departing from its present Israel-linked identity"

"In sport, progress often requires compromise, and this measure is essential to securing the long-term viability of the organization"

Squad Background and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes several British riders among them four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Canadian-Israeli real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Demonstrations

Throughout the 21-day Vuelta, multiple protests and interruptions took place, primarily targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the race, the team ceased using their complete name on their cycling uniforms

The final leg of the tour around Madrid was called off following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that caused scuffles with cyclists and obstructed the course in multiple places

Recent Developments

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

This sixty-six-year-old businessman has been closely associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has formerly described himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to the nation"

International Response

International cycling regulatory organization the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israeli competitors at its competitions despite demands for sporting sanctions

Following United Nations investigation findings that declared the nation has performed mass killing against Palestinian people in the territory - a claim that Israel rejects - there have been growing calls for the nation to be suspended from global soccer tournaments

Context of Conflict

The Israeli defense forces initiated a operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 others were captured

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

Perspective: Corporate Branding Factors

The choice represents a major admission by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is causing discomfort in places such as professional athletics

Adams' involvement in Israel's politics is well known, though not officially assigned

This team began primarily thanks to the owner's passion for professional cycling, and belief that the activity can bring societies more united in parts of the globe distant from its European heartland

Regardless of several major cycling tour stage wins, the team has experienced the competition level hard going at points at the elite level, and is unable to afford to lose sponsors such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

As a multi-billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that corporate image is everything