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During the recent Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters organized protests regarding Israel's war in the Gaza Strip

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

"With steadfast commitment to our cyclists, staff, and important partners, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the squad, moving departing from its present Israel-linked branding"

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

Squad History and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes several UK cyclists including four-time French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Canadian-Israeli property tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Protests

During the three-week Spanish tour, multiple demonstrations and disruptions occurred, primarily targeting the participation of the cycling team

Midway during the competition, the team ceased displaying their full name on their cycling uniforms

The last leg of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in scuffles with riders and blocked the course in multiple locations

Recent Developments

Within the restructuring, team owner Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day role and will cease act on the squad's behalf

This sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has previously described himself as a "unofficial representative to the nation"

Global Response

International cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israeli athletes at its events despite calls for athletic sanctions

After United Nations commission findings that declared the nation has performed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza - a claim that Israel rejects - there have been increasing demands for the country to be suspended from global soccer tournaments

Background of Hostilities

Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-organized assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were murdered and 251 additional people were taken hostage

According to reports from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israel's military actions in the territory since then

Perspective: Business Image Considerations

This choice represents a major acknowledgment by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is creating unease in places such as elite athletics

The owner's involvement in Israel's politics is widely recognized, though not officially designated

The squad started primarily thanks to the owner's passion for cycling, and conviction that the activity can unite societies more together in parts of the globe distant from its continental traditional base

Despite some Grand Tour leg victories, the team has found the competition level challenging going at points at the elite level, and cannot afford to lose sponsors such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

Being a billionaire businessman, Adams understands that corporate image is paramount