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Throughout the recent Vuelta a Espana, the squad experienced several disruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters organized actions against Israel's war in the Gaza Strip

Squad officials described the recent period as "an incredibly difficult period" but recognized "the necessity for transformation"

"With steadfast commitment to our riders, team members, and valued sponsors, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the squad, moving departing from its present Israel-linked identity"

"Within sports, progress often requires compromise, and this step is essential to ensuring the long-term viability of the team"

Squad History and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech team, which features several UK cyclists including multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Israeli-Canadian real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

Originally founded as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been sponsored by Canadian corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the 21-day Vuelta, multiple protests and disruptions took place, mainly targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the competition, the team ceased using their full team name on their jerseys

The final leg of the tour around Madrid was called off following pro-Palestinian protests that caused scuffles with cyclists and blocked the course in multiple places

Recent Developments

Within the restructuring, team owner Sylvan Adams will step back from his daily responsibilities and will no longer speak on the team's representation

The sixty-six-year-old businessman has been closely associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has previously referred to himself as a "unofficial ambassador to the nation"

International Reaction

World cycling regulatory organization the UCI has stated it will persist to welcome Israel-based athletes at its competitions despite demands for sporting boycotts

After United Nations commission conclusions that declared Israel has performed mass killing against Palestinians in the territory - a claim that the government rejects - there have been growing demands for the nation to be banned from international football competition

Background of Conflict

Israeli military initiated a operation in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-led assault on southern the country on October 7th 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 additional people were taken hostage

According to reports from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israel's attacks in the territory since that time

Perspective: Corporate Branding Considerations

This decision constitutes 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

The owner's engagement in Israel's politics is well known, although not officially assigned

This team began primarily due to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and belief that the activity can unite societies more together in parts of the globe away from its continental heartland

Despite some Grand Tour leg wins, Israel-Premier Tech has found the competition level challenging going at points at the top tier, and is unable to risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

As a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that business brand reputation is everything