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During the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad experienced several disruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters organized actions regarding Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Squad representatives characterized the recent period as "a particularly challenging period" but acknowledged "the need for transformation"

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

"In sport, progress often requires compromise, and this step is essential to ensuring the future of the team"

Squad Background and Composition

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

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous protests and interruptions occurred, mainly focusing on the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway during the competition, the squad stopped displaying their full name on their jerseys

The last leg of the race around the Spanish capital was cancelled following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that caused altercations with riders and obstructed the route in multiple places

Recent Changes

As part of the restructuring, squad owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day responsibilities and will cease speak on the team's behalf

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has previously referred to himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

International Reaction

International professional cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will persist to welcome Israel-based competitors at its competitions despite demands for sporting boycotts

After United Nations commission conclusions that stated the nation has performed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza - a claim that the government rejects - there have been growing calls for the country to be suspended from international football competition

Background of Conflict

Israeli defense forces initiated a campaign in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were captured

Based on reports from the territory's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israel's attacks in the territory since then

Perspective: Corporate Image Factors

The decision constitutes a significant acknowledgment by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is creating unease in environments such as elite athletics

The owner's involvement in Israel's politics is widely recognized, although not formally designated

The team began largely due to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and conviction that the activity can unite communities more together in regions of the globe away from its European traditional base

Despite some major cycling tour leg wins, the team has found the competition level hard to maintain at times at the top level, and cannot risk to jeopardize sponsors such as Canadian agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

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