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Throughout last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized protests against Israel's military campaign in Gaza

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

"Having strong dedication to our riders, team members, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rebrand and restructure the squad, moving departing from its present Israel-linked identity"

"Within sports, progress often requires sacrifice, and this step is essential to ensuring the future of the team"

Team History and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes several UK riders including multiple Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Protests

During the three-week Vuelta, numerous demonstrations and disruptions occurred, mainly focusing on the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway through the competition, the squad ceased displaying their complete name on their cycling uniforms

The final leg of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that resulted in altercations with riders and obstructed the course in multiple places

Recent Developments

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

This 66-year-old businessman has been closely linked with the Israeli government and has formerly referred to himself as a "unofficial ambassador to Israel"

International Response

World professional cycling governing body the UCI has declared it will persist to accept Israeli competitors at its events despite calls for athletic sanctions

Following United Nations investigation findings that stated Israel has committed genocide against Palestinian people in the territory - a allegation that the government denies - there have been growing calls for the country to be suspended from global football tournaments

Context of Hostilities

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

Based on reports from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then

Perspective: Business Image Considerations

This choice constitutes a major admission by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is causing unease in environments such as professional athletics

The owner's engagement in Israeli political affairs is well known, though not formally designated

The team began primarily thanks to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and conviction that the activity can bring societies more united in parts of the globe distant from its continental heartland

Regardless of several Grand Tour leg wins, the team has experienced the pace challenging to maintain at points at the top tier, and cannot afford to lose sponsors such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

As a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that business brand reputation is everything