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During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced multiple disruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized actions against the Israeli war in Gaza

Squad officials described the recent period as "an incredibly difficult time" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"With steadfast dedication to our riders, staff, and important sponsors, the choice has been made to rebrand and restructure the squad, shifting away from its current Israeli branding"

"Within sports, progress often demands compromise, and this step is crucial to securing the future of the team"

Squad Background and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes several British cyclists including four-time French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams

Originally established as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been sponsored by Canadian corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Protests

During the 21-day Vuelta, numerous protests and interruptions took place, mainly focusing on the participation of the cycling team

Halfway through the competition, the team stopped using their complete name on their jerseys

The final stage of the tour around Madrid was called off following Palestinian-supporting protests that resulted in altercations with cyclists and obstructed the course in multiple places

Recent Changes

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

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

International Response

International cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will continue to accept Israel-based competitors at its competitions despite demands for sporting boycotts

After United Nations commission conclusions that declared Israel has committed genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza - a claim that Israel rejects - there have been growing calls for the country to be suspended from international football tournaments

Background of Hostilities

The Israeli military initiated a operation in Gaza in response to the Hamas-organized attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 additional people were taken hostage

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

Analysis: Corporate Image Factors

The decision constitutes a major acknowledgment by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is creating discomfort in environments such as professional sport

The owner's engagement in Israel's politics is widely recognized, though not officially assigned

The team started primarily thanks to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and conviction that the activity can bring communities closer together in parts of the world away from its European heartland

Despite several Grand Tour stage wins, the team has experienced the pace hard to maintain at points at the elite tier, and is unable to afford to jeopardize financial backers such as Canadian pesticide specialists Premier Tech

Being a multi-billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that business brand reputation is paramount