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During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced several disruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters staged actions against the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Squad representatives characterized the recent period as "an incredibly challenging time" but recognized "the necessity for transformation"

"With strong dedication to our riders, staff, and valued sponsors, the choice has been made to rebrand and re-brand the squad, moving away from its present Israel-linked identity"

"In sport, advancement often requires sacrifice, and this measure is essential to securing the future of the team"

Squad History and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech team, which features five UK cyclists including four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Canadian-Israeli property tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Protests

During the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous protests and interruptions took place, mainly focusing on the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway through the competition, the team stopped using their complete name on their jerseys

The final stage of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following Palestinian-supporting protests that caused altercations with riders and obstructed the route in several places

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his daily responsibilities and will cease speak on the team's behalf

The 66-year-old businessman has been closely linked with the Israeli administration and has formerly referred to himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to Israel"

International Reaction

International cycling regulatory organization the UCI has stated it will persist to accept Israeli athletes at its competitions despite demands for sporting sanctions

After United Nations commission findings that stated the nation has performed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a allegation that Israel denies - there have been growing demands for the country to be suspended from global football competition

Context of Hostilities

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

According to data from the region's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israel's attacks in the territory since then

Perspective: Corporate Image Considerations

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

The owner's engagement in Israel's political affairs is widely recognized, though not officially assigned

The squad began primarily thanks to the owner's passion for professional cycling, and belief that the sport can bring communities more together in regions of the globe distant from its continental heartland

Regardless of several Grand Tour leg victories, Israel-Premier Tech has found the competition level hard to maintain at points at the elite tier, and is unable to afford to lose financial backers such as Canadian agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

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