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Throughout the recent Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced multiple disruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters organized actions against the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Team representatives characterized the recent period as "an incredibly difficult period" but acknowledged "the need for change"

"With strong commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued partners, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the squad, moving departing from its present Israeli identity"

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

Squad History and Structure

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

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

Recent Events and Protests

During the three-week Vuelta, numerous protests and interruptions occurred, mainly focusing on the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the competition, the squad ceased displaying their full team name on their cycling uniforms

The last stage of the race around the Spanish capital was cancelled following Palestinian-supporting protests that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and obstructed the route in several locations

Recent Developments

As part of the changes, squad owner Sylvan Adams will step back from his daily responsibilities and will cease act on the squad's representation

The sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with the Israeli government and has formerly referred to himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to the nation"

International Response

World professional cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will continue to accept Israel-based athletes at its events despite calls for sporting boycotts

After UN investigation conclusions that stated the nation has performed genocide against Palestinian people in the territory - a claim that Israel rejects - there have been growing calls for the country to be banned from international football competition

Context of Conflict

Israeli defense forces initiated a campaign in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7th 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 others were taken hostage

Based on reports from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israel's military actions in the territory since that time

Perspective: Corporate Branding Considerations

This decision constitutes a significant admission by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is creating discomfort in places such as elite sport

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

This squad started primarily due to the owner's passion for professional cycling, and belief that the activity can bring communities closer united in regions of the world away from its European heartland

Despite some major cycling tour stage victories, the team has found the pace challenging going at times at the elite tier, and is unable to afford to jeopardize sponsors such as Canadian pesticide specialists Premier Tech

As a billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that business image is paramount