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During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced several interruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized protests against the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip

Squad officials described the recent period as "a particularly difficult time" but recognized "the need for transformation"

"Having strong commitment to our riders, team members, and important sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the team, moving away from its present Israeli branding"

"In sport, advancement often requires sacrifice, and this measure is essential to securing the long-term viability of the team"

Team History and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes several UK riders among them multiple French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Canadian-Israeli property tycoon Sylvan Adams

Originally founded as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the team has been supported by Canada-based corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Protests

During the 21-day Vuelta, numerous demonstrations and disruptions occurred, mainly targeting the involvement of the cycling team

Halfway during the competition, the team stopped displaying their complete team name on their cycling uniforms

The final stage of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that caused altercations with cyclists and blocked the route in multiple locations

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily role and will cease act on the team's behalf

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has previously described himself as a "unofficial ambassador to Israel"

International Response

World cycling regulatory body the UCI has declared it will continue to accept Israeli competitors at its events despite calls for sporting boycotts

Following UN investigation conclusions that declared the nation has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in the territory - a allegation that the government denies - there have been increasing calls for the country to be banned from international soccer competition

Background of Hostilities

Israeli military initiated a operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-organized assault on southern regions of the country on October 7th 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 ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then

Perspective: Corporate Image Factors

The decision represents a major admission by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is creating discomfort in places such as elite athletics

Adams' engagement in Israeli politics is widely recognized, although not formally assigned

This team started primarily due to Adams' passion for cycling, and belief that the activity can unite communities closer together in regions of the globe away from its European 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 afford to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

As a multi-billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that business brand reputation is paramount