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Throughout last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad experienced multiple interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters staged protests regarding the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Squad officials characterized the past few months as "an incredibly challenging time" but recognized "the necessity for change"

"With strong commitment to our riders, team members, and important partners, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the squad, moving departing from its current Israel-linked identity"

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

Team Background and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes several UK cyclists including four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams

Initially founded as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been sponsored by Canada-based company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Events and Protests

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

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

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

Recent Changes

Within the restructuring, squad owner Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day responsibilities and will no longer speak on the squad's behalf

The 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with the Israeli government and has previously referred to himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

International Response

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

After UN commission conclusions that stated the nation has committed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a allegation that Israel denies - there have been growing calls for the country to be suspended from global football tournaments

Background of Hostilities

Israeli defense forces initiated a operation in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-organized attack on southern regions of the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage

Based on reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israel's attacks in Gaza since then

Analysis: Business Branding Considerations

The decision constitutes a major admission by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is causing unease in environments such as elite sport

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

The squad began primarily thanks to Adams' passion for cycling, and belief that the sport can bring communities more united in parts of the globe away from its European traditional base

Regardless of some Grand Tour stage wins, the team has found the competition level hard going at points at the top tier, and is unable to risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

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