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During the recent Vuelta a Espana, the team experienced multiple interruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters staged actions against the Israeli war in Gaza

Squad representatives described the past few months as "an incredibly challenging time" but acknowledged "the necessity for transformation"

"With steadfast commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued partners, the decision has been made to rename and re-brand the squad, shifting away from its present Israeli identity"

"Within sports, advancement often demands sacrifice, and this measure is essential to securing the future of the organization"

Squad Background and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features five UK cyclists among them multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Canadian-Israeli real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous protests and disruptions took place, primarily focusing on the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway through the race, the squad ceased using their complete team name on their jerseys

The final leg of the tour around Madrid was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that caused altercations with riders and blocked the course in multiple places

Recent Developments

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

This 66-year-old businessman has been closely linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has formerly referred to himself as a "self-appointed representative to the nation"

Global Reaction

International cycling regulatory body the UCI has declared it will continue to welcome Israeli athletes at its competitions despite demands for athletic sanctions

Following UN commission conclusions that stated the nation has committed genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza - a allegation that Israel denies - there have been growing demands for the nation to be suspended from global football tournaments

Context of Hostilities

Israeli military launched a operation in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern regions of Israel on October 7th 2023, during which about 1,200 people were murdered and 251 additional people were captured

According to data from the territory's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israel's attacks in the territory since then

Analysis: Business Image Factors

The decision represents a significant admission by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is creating discomfort in environments such as elite sport

The owner's engagement in Israel's politics is widely recognized, although not formally assigned

This team began largely due to Adams' enthusiasm for cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite communities more united in regions of the world distant from its continental heartland

Despite several major cycling tour leg victories, Israel-Premier Tech has found the competition level hard to maintain at points at the top level, and cannot risk to lose financial backers such as Canadian pesticide specialists Premier Tech

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