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Throughout the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced multiple disruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters staged actions regarding Israel's military campaign in Gaza

Squad officials characterized the past few months as "an incredibly difficult period" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"With strong dedication to our riders, team members, and valued sponsors, the choice has been made to rebrand and re-brand the team, moving away from its current Israeli identity"

"In sport, advancement often requires sacrifice, and this step is crucial to ensuring the future of the team"

Squad Background and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech team, which features several UK cyclists including four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Demonstrations

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

Midway during the race, the squad stopped using their full team name on their jerseys

The last leg of the tour around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and blocked the course in several places

Recent Changes

As part of the restructuring, squad owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily responsibilities and will cease act on the squad's behalf

The sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been closely associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has formerly described himself as a "unofficial representative to Israel"

Global Reaction

International professional cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will continue to accept Israeli competitors at its events despite demands for sporting boycotts

After United Nations investigation conclusions that declared the nation has committed genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza - a allegation that the government rejects - there have been increasing calls for the nation to be suspended from global football tournaments

Context of Hostilities

The Israeli military launched a operation in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-organized assault on southern regions of the country on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were murdered and 251 others were taken hostage

According to reports from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israel's military actions in Gaza since that time

Analysis: Corporate Image Considerations

The decision represents a significant admission by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is causing discomfort in environments such as elite sport

The owner's engagement in Israeli politics is well known, though not formally designated

This team began largely thanks to Adams' passion for cycling, and belief that the activity can unite communities closer together in parts of the world away from its continental heartland

Regardless of several Grand Tour leg wins, Israel-Premier Tech has found the competition level challenging going at points at the elite level, and is unable to afford to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

As a billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that corporate brand reputation is everything