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Throughout the recent Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced multiple interruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized actions regarding the Israeli war in Gaza

Squad officials characterized the recent period as "an incredibly challenging period" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"Having strong commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued sponsors, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the squad, moving away from its present Israeli identity"

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

Squad Background and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes five British cyclists among them four-time French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Canadian-Israeli property tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Demonstrations

During the three-week Vuelta, numerous protests and interruptions occurred, mainly targeting the involvement of the cycling team

Midway through the race, the team ceased displaying their complete team name on their cycling uniforms

The final leg of the race around Madrid was called off following pro-Palestinian protests that caused scuffles with cyclists and obstructed the route in multiple locations

Recent Changes

As part of the restructuring, squad owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily responsibilities and will cease speak on the team's behalf

This 66-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

World professional cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will continue to welcome Israel-based competitors at its events despite demands for athletic boycotts

Following UN commission findings that stated the nation has performed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a allegation that Israel denies - there have been increasing calls for the nation to be suspended from international football competition

Background of Hostilities

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

According to reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israeli military actions in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Corporate Branding Considerations

This decision represents a major acknowledgment by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is causing unease in places such as professional athletics

The owner's involvement in Israel's politics is widely recognized, though not formally assigned

The squad started primarily due to Adams' enthusiasm for cycling, and conviction that the sport can bring societies more together in regions of the globe distant from its European heartland

Despite several Grand Tour leg wins, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace hard going at times at the top tier, and cannot risk to lose sponsors such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

Being a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that business brand reputation is paramount