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During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced multiple disruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized actions against the Israeli war in Gaza

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

"Having strong dedication to our riders, team members, and valued partners, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the team, shifting away from its present Israel-linked branding"

"In sport, progress often demands compromise, and this step is essential to ensuring the long-term viability of the organization"

Squad History and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes five British cyclists including multiple Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Canadian-Israeli property billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

During the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple demonstrations and interruptions took place, mainly focusing on the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway through the race, the team ceased using their full team name on their jerseys

The last leg of the race around Madrid was called off following pro-Palestinian protests that caused scuffles with riders and blocked the course in several places

Recent Changes

As part of the restructuring, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily responsibilities and will no longer speak on the team's representation

This 66-year-old businessman has been strongly associated with the Israeli administration and has previously described himself as a "unofficial ambassador to Israel"

Global Reaction

World professional cycling regulatory body the UCI has declared it will persist to accept Israel-based athletes at its competitions despite demands for sporting boycotts

After United Nations investigation conclusions that declared the nation has performed mass killing against Palestinians in Gaza - a allegation that Israel rejects - there have been increasing demands for the nation to be banned from international soccer tournaments

Context of Conflict

Israeli defense forces launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

Based on reports from the territory's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israel's military actions in Gaza since that time

Analysis: Corporate Image Considerations

The choice represents a major acknowledgment by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is creating discomfort in environments such as elite athletics

Adams' involvement in Israeli political affairs is widely recognized, though not formally assigned

The squad started primarily due to Adams' enthusiasm for cycling, and belief that the sport can bring communities more united in regions of the globe distant from its continental traditional base

Regardless of several major cycling tour stage victories, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace challenging going at points at the elite level, and cannot afford to jeopardize financial backers such as Canadian agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

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