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Throughout last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced multiple disruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged actions against the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Squad representatives described the recent period as "a particularly difficult time" but acknowledged "the necessity for transformation"

"Having strong dedication to our cyclists, staff, and important partners, the choice has been made to rebrand and restructure the team, shifting away from its current Israel-linked identity"

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

Squad History and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes several UK cyclists among them four-time French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Israeli-Canadian real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

Originally founded as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been supported by Canadian company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Events and Protests

Throughout the three-week Vuelta, numerous protests and interruptions occurred, primarily targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway during the race, the team ceased displaying their full name on their jerseys

The final leg of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in altercations with riders and blocked the route in several locations

Recent Developments

As part of the changes, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day responsibilities and will cease speak on the squad's behalf

This 66-year-old businessman has been strongly linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has previously described himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

Global Reaction

International professional cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will continue to accept Israel-based athletes at its events despite demands for athletic boycotts

Following United Nations commission findings that declared the nation has committed genocide against Palestinian people in the territory - a allegation that the government denies - there have been increasing demands for the country to be suspended from international soccer competition

Background of Hostilities

Israeli defense forces initiated a operation in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-organized attack on southern Israel on October 7th 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were murdered and 251 others were captured

Based on data from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Business Image Factors

The decision constitutes a major acknowledgment by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is creating unease in environments such as professional sport

Adams' involvement in Israeli politics is widely recognized, though not officially assigned

This squad started largely due to the owner's enthusiasm for cycling, and belief that the activity can bring communities closer together in parts of the globe distant from its European heartland

Regardless of several Grand Tour stage wins, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace hard going at points at the top level, and is unable to risk to jeopardize sponsors such as Canada's pesticide experts Premier Tech

Being a billionaire businessman, Adams understands that business image is everything