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During the recent Vuelta a Espana, the squad experienced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized actions regarding the Israeli war in Gaza

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

"With steadfast dedication to our cyclists, staff, and important partners, the decision has been made to rebrand and restructure the team, moving away from its current Israel-linked identity"

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

Team Background and Structure

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

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple protests and disruptions took place, mainly focusing on the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway through the competition, the squad stopped displaying their full name on their jerseys

The final stage of the tour around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in scuffles with riders and blocked the course in multiple places

Recent Changes

Within the restructuring, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily responsibilities and will cease speak on the squad's representation

This 66-year-old businessman has been closely associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has previously referred to himself as a "unofficial ambassador to Israel"

International Response

World professional cycling regulatory organization the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israel-based competitors at its competitions despite calls for athletic sanctions

After United Nations investigation conclusions that stated Israel has performed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza - a allegation that the government denies - there have been growing demands for the nation to be suspended from international football competition

Background of Conflict

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

According to reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israeli attacks in the territory since that time

Perspective: Corporate Branding Considerations

The decision represents a significant acknowledgment by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is creating discomfort in places such as elite athletics

Adams' engagement in Israeli politics is well known, though not officially assigned

The squad began largely due to Adams' passion for cycling, and belief that the sport can bring societies closer united in parts of the world distant from its European heartland

Despite several major cycling tour stage victories, the team has experienced the pace challenging going at points at the elite tier, and cannot risk to lose sponsors such as Canadian agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

Being a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that corporate image is paramount