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Throughout the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad experienced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters organized protests regarding the Israeli military campaign in Gaza

Squad officials characterized the past few months as "a particularly difficult time" but recognized "the necessity for change"

"Having steadfast commitment to our riders, staff, and important sponsors, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the squad, shifting departing from its present Israeli branding"

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

Team Background and Structure

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

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

Throughout the 21-day Vuelta, numerous demonstrations and disruptions occurred, primarily targeting the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway during the competition, the squad ceased displaying their complete name on their jerseys

The final stage of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following Palestinian-supporting protests that resulted in altercations with riders and blocked the course in multiple locations

Recent Changes

Within the restructuring, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his daily role and will cease speak on the team's behalf

The sixty-six-year-old businessman has been strongly linked with the Israeli administration and has formerly described himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

International Response

World cycling governing body the UCI has declared it will continue to accept Israeli competitors at its competitions despite demands for sporting sanctions

Following United Nations commission conclusions that stated the nation has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza - a allegation that the government denies - there have been growing calls for the nation to be banned from global football tournaments

Background of Conflict

The Israeli defense forces launched a operation 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

Based on data from the territory's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israel's attacks in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Business Image Considerations

This decision represents a major admission by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Israeli branding is causing discomfort in environments such as professional athletics

The owner's involvement in Israel's political affairs is well known, although not formally assigned

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

Regardless of several Grand Tour leg victories, the team has found the pace challenging to maintain at points at the elite tier, and cannot risk to jeopardize sponsors such as Canadian pesticide specialists Premier Tech

As a billionaire businessman, Adams understands that corporate image is everything