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During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the team faced several interruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized protests regarding the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

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

"Having strong dedication to our cyclists, team members, and important partners, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the squad, moving away from its present Israeli identity"

"In sport, advancement often requires compromise, and this measure is essential to securing the long-term viability of the team"

Team History and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which features five British riders including four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Protests

Throughout the three-week Vuelta, numerous protests and interruptions occurred, primarily focusing on the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway through the competition, the squad ceased displaying their full team name on their cycling uniforms

The final leg of the race around Madrid was cancelled following pro-Palestinian protests that caused altercations with riders and blocked the route in multiple places

Recent Developments

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

The 66-year-old businessman has been closely associated with the Israeli administration and has previously described himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to Israel"

International Response

World cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will continue to welcome Israel-based competitors at its events despite demands for athletic sanctions

Following UN investigation findings that stated Israel has performed mass killing against Palestinians in Gaza - a allegation that Israel denies - there have been growing demands for the nation to be banned from international soccer tournaments

Context of Hostilities

Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 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 killed in Israeli military actions in the territory since that time

Analysis: Corporate Image Factors

This choice represents a significant admission by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is creating discomfort in environments such as professional sport

Adams' engagement in Israel's political affairs is widely recognized, though not formally designated

The team started primarily due to Adams' enthusiasm for cycling, and conviction that the activity can unite societies more together in parts of the globe away from its continental heartland

Despite some major cycling tour stage wins, Israel-Premier Tech has found the competition level challenging going at times at the elite level, and cannot risk to jeopardize sponsors such as Canadian pesticide specialists Premier Tech

As a multi-billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that corporate brand reputation is everything