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During last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad experienced multiple interruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized protests against Israel's war in Gaza

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

"Having steadfast commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rebrand and restructure the team, moving departing from its current Israel-linked branding"

"In sport, progress often demands compromise, and this step is essential to securing the long-term viability of the organization"

Squad History and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes several UK riders among them multiple Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Canadian-Israeli real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Protests

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous demonstrations and disruptions occurred, mainly focusing on the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the competition, the team stopped using their full name on their jerseys

The last stage of the tour around Madrid was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that caused altercations with cyclists and obstructed the course in multiple places

Recent Developments

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

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

International Reaction

World professional cycling regulatory organization the UCI has declared it will persist to accept Israel-based competitors at its events despite demands for sporting sanctions

Following UN commission conclusions that declared Israel has performed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a claim that Israel rejects - there have been growing demands for the nation to be suspended from international football tournaments

Context of Hostilities

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

Based on data from the region's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israel's military actions in Gaza since then

Analysis: Business Image Considerations

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

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

This squad started largely due to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and belief that the activity can bring societies more together in regions of the world away from its continental traditional base

Despite some major cycling tour leg wins, the team has found the pace challenging going at times at the top tier, and is unable to afford to lose sponsors such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

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