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During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced multiple interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters staged actions against the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip

Team representatives described the recent period as "a particularly difficult time" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"Having steadfast commitment to our cyclists, team members, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rebrand and re-brand the squad, shifting away from its current Israel-linked identity"

"Within sports, progress often demands compromise, and this step is essential to securing the long-term viability of the team"

Team Background and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes five UK riders including multiple French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Canadian-Israeli property tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

During the 21-day Vuelta, multiple demonstrations and interruptions occurred, primarily focusing on the involvement of the cycling team

Halfway through the race, the squad ceased displaying their full team name on their jerseys

The last stage of the race around Madrid was cancelled following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that resulted in altercations with riders and blocked the course in multiple locations

Recent Developments

As part of the changes, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily role and will no longer act on the team's representation

This 66-year-old businessman has been closely associated with the Israeli administration and has formerly described himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

International Response

World cycling regulatory organization the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israel-based athletes at its events despite calls for sporting boycotts

Following UN investigation conclusions that declared the nation has committed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a claim that the government denies - there have been increasing demands for the country to be banned from international football tournaments

Context of Hostilities

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

According to reports from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israel's military actions in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Business Image Considerations

The choice constitutes a major acknowledgment by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is causing unease in environments such as professional athletics

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

The team began largely due to Adams' passion for cycling, and belief that the activity can unite communities more together in regions of the globe away from its continental traditional base

Regardless of several Grand Tour leg wins, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace challenging going at times at the elite tier, and is unable to risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canadian agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

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