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During the recent Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized protests against the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Squad officials described the recent period as "a particularly challenging period" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"Having steadfast dedication to our riders, team members, and valued partners, the choice has been made to rebrand and re-brand the team, moving away from its present Israeli identity"

"Within sports, advancement often demands compromise, and this measure is essential to securing the future of the organization"

Team History and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features several UK riders among them multiple French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian property tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Demonstrations

During the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous protests and interruptions occurred, primarily targeting the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

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

The last stage of the race around Madrid was cancelled following pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in scuffles with riders and blocked the course in multiple locations

Recent Changes

Within the restructuring, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily responsibilities and will no longer speak on the squad's representation

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly linked with the Israeli government and has previously described himself as a "self-appointed representative to the nation"

International Reaction

World professional cycling regulatory organization the UCI has declared it will persist to accept Israeli competitors at its events despite calls for sporting boycotts

After United Nations commission findings that declared the nation has committed mass killing against Palestinians in the territory - a allegation that the government rejects - there have been growing calls for the nation to be banned from international football tournaments

Background of Hostilities

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

According to reports from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israel's attacks in the territory since then

Perspective: Business Image Factors

This choice constitutes a major admission by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is creating unease in environments such as professional athletics

The owner's involvement in Israel's politics is widely recognized, although not officially designated

The team started largely thanks to the owner's enthusiasm for cycling, and conviction that the sport can bring communities more united in parts of the world distant from its European traditional base

Despite several Grand Tour leg victories, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace challenging to maintain at points at the top level, and cannot risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

Being a multi-billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that corporate brand reputation is paramount