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During the recent Vuelta a Espana, the squad experienced several disruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters staged actions regarding Israel's war in Gaza

Team officials described the past few months as "a particularly challenging time" but acknowledged "the need for transformation"

"With strong commitment to our cyclists, staff, and important sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the team, shifting departing from its current Israeli identity"

"In sport, progress often demands sacrifice, and this step is crucial to ensuring the future of the team"

Squad History and Composition

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

Initially founded as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been sponsored by Canadian corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple protests and disruptions occurred, primarily focusing on the involvement of the cycling team

Midway through the race, the team stopped using their full name on their cycling uniforms

The last leg of the race around Madrid was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in altercations with cyclists and blocked the route in multiple places

Recent Developments

Within the changes, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily responsibilities and will cease act on the team's behalf

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely associated with the Israeli administration and has previously referred to himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

International Response

International cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will persist to welcome Israeli competitors at its events despite demands for athletic sanctions

Following UN investigation findings that stated the nation has committed genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza - a allegation that Israel rejects - there have been increasing demands for the country to be banned from global football competition

Context of Hostilities

The Israeli defense forces initiated a operation in Gaza in response to the Hamas-organized attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were murdered and 251 additional people were captured

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

Perspective: Corporate Image Factors

The decision represents a significant acknowledgment by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is causing unease in environments such as professional sport

The owner's involvement in Israel's political affairs is widely recognized, although not formally designated

This squad began primarily due to Adams' passion for cycling, and belief that the activity can unite societies closer together in regions of the globe distant from its European traditional base

Regardless of several Grand Tour leg wins, the team has found the pace challenging to maintain at points at the elite level, and cannot risk to lose financial backers such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

As a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that corporate brand reputation is paramount