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

Team officials characterized the recent period as "a particularly challenging time" but acknowledged "the need for transformation"

"Having steadfast commitment 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 branding"

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

Team History and Composition

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

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

Recent Events and Protests

Throughout the three-week Vuelta, multiple protests and interruptions took place, mainly focusing on the participation of the cycling team

Midway during the competition, the squad ceased displaying their complete team name on their jerseys

The last stage of the race around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in altercations with cyclists and blocked the route in multiple locations

Recent Changes

As part of the restructuring, team owner Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day responsibilities and will no longer speak on the squad's representation

The 66-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with the Israeli administration and has previously referred to himself as a "unofficial representative to the nation"

International Reaction

International professional cycling regulatory organization the UCI has declared it will persist to welcome Israeli competitors at its events despite demands for athletic boycotts

Following UN commission conclusions that stated Israel has performed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a allegation that the government rejects - there have been growing demands for the nation to be banned from global soccer competition

Context of Hostilities

Israeli military launched a operation in Gaza in response to the Hamas-organized assault on southern regions of the country on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

Based on data from the territory's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israel's attacks in the territory since then

Perspective: Corporate Image Factors

This decision represents a significant acknowledgment by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is creating unease in environments such as elite athletics

Adams' involvement in Israeli political affairs is well known, though not officially designated

The squad began largely thanks to the owner's enthusiasm for professional cycling, and conviction that the sport can bring societies closer together in parts of the world distant from its continental traditional base

Despite some major cycling tour leg victories, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace challenging to maintain at times at the top level, and is unable to risk to lose financial backers such as Canada's pesticide experts Premier Tech

As a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that corporate brand reputation is everything