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Throughout last month's Spanish cycling tour, the squad experienced several interruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized actions against the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip

Team officials described the recent period as "a particularly challenging period" but acknowledged "the need for change"

"Having strong commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued partners, the choice has been made to rename and re-brand the team, shifting departing from its present Israel-linked branding"

"Within sports, progress often demands sacrifice, and this measure is essential to ensuring the long-term viability of the team"

Squad History and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes five UK riders including multiple Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Canadian-Israeli property billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Demonstrations

During the three-week Vuelta, numerous demonstrations and interruptions occurred, primarily focusing on the participation of the cycling team

Halfway during the race, the squad ceased displaying their complete team name on their jerseys

The last leg of the tour around the Spanish capital was called off following Palestinian-supporting protests that caused altercations with riders and blocked the course in multiple locations

Recent Developments

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

The 66-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has previously described himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to the nation"

International Response

International professional cycling regulatory body the UCI has stated it will persist to welcome Israel-based athletes at its events despite calls for sporting sanctions

Following UN commission conclusions that stated the nation has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in Gaza - a allegation that Israel rejects - there have been growing demands for the nation to be banned from international football tournaments

Context of Conflict

Israeli defense forces launched a campaign in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-organized attack on southern regions of the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 additional people were captured

Based on data from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israel's military actions in the territory since then

Analysis: Business Image Factors

This choice represents a significant admission by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is causing discomfort in places such as elite sport

Adams' engagement in Israeli political affairs is well known, although not formally designated

This team began primarily due to the owner's passion for cycling, and conviction that the activity can unite societies more together in regions of the globe distant from its continental heartland

Despite some major cycling tour leg wins, the team has experienced the pace hard to maintain at times at the elite tier, and is unable to afford to jeopardize sponsors such as Canada's agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

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