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During the recent Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced multiple interruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters staged actions regarding Israel's war in Gaza

Squad officials characterized the recent period as "an incredibly difficult time" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"Having strong commitment to our riders, team members, and valued sponsors, the choice has been made to rename and re-brand the team, moving departing from its present Israel-linked identity"

"In sport, progress often requires compromise, and this step is essential to ensuring the long-term viability of the team"

Squad History and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features several British cyclists among them multiple Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

During the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous protests and interruptions occurred, primarily focusing on the participation of the cycling team

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

The last stage of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following Palestinian-supporting protests that caused scuffles with cyclists and obstructed the course in several locations

Recent Changes

As part of the changes, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily role and will cease act on the team's representation

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with the Israeli administration and has previously described himself as a "unofficial representative to Israel"

International Response

International professional cycling governing body the UCI has declared it will continue to welcome Israel-based competitors at its events despite calls for athletic sanctions

Following United Nations commission conclusions that stated Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in Gaza - a allegation that Israel rejects - there have been increasing calls for the country to be suspended from global football tournaments

Background of Conflict

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

According to reports from the territory's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israel's attacks in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Corporate Image Factors

The decision represents a significant acknowledgment by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is causing discomfort in places such as professional athletics

The owner's involvement in Israeli politics is well known, though not formally assigned

The team began primarily due to Adams' enthusiasm for professional cycling, and belief that the activity can bring communities closer together in parts of the world distant from its continental traditional base

Regardless of several Grand Tour stage victories, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the competition level challenging going at points at the top tier, and cannot afford to jeopardize sponsors such as Canada's agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

As a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that business brand reputation is everything