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Throughout the recent Spanish cycling tour, the team faced multiple interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters organized actions regarding the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip

Team representatives described the recent period as "an incredibly difficult time" but recognized "the need for change"

"Having strong commitment to our cyclists, team members, and important sponsors, the decision has been made to rebrand and re-brand the squad, shifting away from its current Israel-linked identity"

"Within sports, advancement often requires sacrifice, and this step is crucial to securing the future of the organization"

Squad History and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech team, which features five British cyclists among them four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Israeli-Canadian real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

Initially established as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been sponsored by Canadian company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

During the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous demonstrations and disruptions took place, primarily focusing on the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

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

The last stage of the race around Madrid was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that caused altercations with cyclists and blocked the course in several places

Recent Changes

As part of the restructuring, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day role and will no longer speak on the team's representation

The 66-year-old businessman has been strongly linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has previously described himself as a "self-appointed representative to the nation"

International Response

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

Following UN investigation conclusions that stated Israel has performed genocide against Palestinian people in the territory - a claim that Israel rejects - there have been increasing demands for the nation to be banned from international football competition

Background of Conflict

Israeli military initiated a campaign in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

According to data from the territory's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israel's military actions in the territory since that time

Perspective: Business Image Considerations

This choice constitutes a major acknowledgment by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is causing unease in environments such as professional sport

The owner's engagement in Israel's political affairs is well known, although not officially designated

This squad began largely due to Adams' enthusiasm for professional cycling, and conviction that the sport can bring societies closer together in regions of the globe away from its continental heartland

Regardless of several major cycling tour leg wins, the team has found the competition level challenging to maintain at times at the elite level, and cannot afford to lose sponsors such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

Being a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that corporate brand reputation is paramount