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During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced multiple interruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged actions regarding the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Team representatives described the recent period as "an incredibly challenging time" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"With strong commitment to our cyclists, team members, and important partners, the choice has been made to rename and re-brand the squad, shifting away from its current Israeli branding"

"Within sports, advancement often requires sacrifice, and this step is essential to securing the long-term viability of the organization"

Squad Background and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes several British cyclists among them multiple French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Canadian-Israeli real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

During the 21-day Vuelta, multiple demonstrations and disruptions occurred, mainly focusing on the involvement of the cycling team

Halfway through the race, the squad ceased displaying their complete name on their cycling uniforms

The last stage of the tour around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in altercations with riders and obstructed the course in multiple locations

Recent Developments

Within the changes, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day role and will cease act on the squad's behalf

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

Global Reaction

International cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will persist to welcome Israel-based athletes at its events despite calls for sporting boycotts

Following UN commission conclusions that stated the nation has committed genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza - a claim that Israel rejects - there have been growing calls for the country to be suspended from global soccer competition

Background of Hostilities

Israeli military launched a campaign in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-organized attack on southern regions of the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were murdered and 251 others were captured

According to reports from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israel's military actions in Gaza since that time

Analysis: Corporate Image Factors

The choice constitutes a significant admission by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is causing unease in environments such as elite athletics

Adams' engagement in Israeli politics is well known, although not formally assigned

The team began primarily due to the owner's enthusiasm for professional cycling, and belief that the activity can bring communities more together in regions of the world distant from its continental heartland

Regardless of several major cycling tour leg victories, the team has found the pace hard going at times at the top tier, and is unable to risk to lose financial backers such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

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