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During the recent Spanish cycling tour, the team faced multiple interruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators staged protests against the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip

Squad representatives described the past few months as "an incredibly difficult period" but acknowledged "the need for change"

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

"In sport, advancement often requires compromise, and this measure is crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of the organization"

Squad History and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes several UK cyclists among them four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

During the 21-day Vuelta, multiple demonstrations and interruptions occurred, primarily targeting the involvement of the cycling team

Midway through the competition, the team stopped using their complete team name on their cycling uniforms

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

Recent Developments

Within the restructuring, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his daily responsibilities and will no longer act on the squad's behalf

The sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been closely associated with the Israeli administration and has previously referred to himself as a "self-appointed representative to the nation"

International Reaction

World professional cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israeli athletes at its competitions despite demands for sporting boycotts

After UN investigation conclusions that stated the nation has performed mass killing against Palestinian people in Gaza - a claim that Israel denies - there have been increasing demands for the nation to be banned from international football tournaments

Context of Hostilities

The Israeli defense forces launched a operation in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-organized assault on southern regions of the country on October 7th 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 additional people were taken hostage

According to reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israel's attacks in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Business Branding Factors

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

Adams' involvement in Israel's politics is widely recognized, although not formally designated

This team began largely due to Adams' passion for cycling, and belief that the sport can unite societies closer united in parts of the world away from its European heartland

Despite several Grand Tour leg victories, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace hard going at times at the top level, and is unable to risk to lose sponsors such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

Being a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that corporate brand reputation is everything