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Throughout the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced several disruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators staged protests against Israel's war in the Gaza Strip

Squad officials described the recent period as "a particularly challenging period" but acknowledged "the necessity for transformation"

"Having steadfast dedication to our cyclists, staff, and valued partners, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the squad, moving departing from its current Israel-linked identity"

"In sport, progress often demands sacrifice, and this measure is essential to ensuring the future of the organization"

Squad Background and Composition

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

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

Throughout the 21-day Vuelta, multiple demonstrations and interruptions occurred, primarily focusing on the involvement of the cycling team

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

The last stage of the race around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian protests that caused altercations with cyclists and blocked the route in multiple locations

Recent Developments

As part of the changes, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day responsibilities and will cease speak on the squad's behalf

This sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with the Israeli administration and has previously referred to himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

International Response

International professional cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will persist to accept Israeli competitors at its competitions despite calls for athletic boycotts

Following United Nations investigation findings that declared the nation has performed mass killing against Palestinians in the territory - a claim that Israel denies - there have been increasing calls for the country to be banned from global soccer tournaments

Background of Hostilities

Israeli defense forces launched a campaign in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-organized assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were murdered and 251 others were captured

Based on reports from the territory's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in the territory since that time

Analysis: Business Image Factors

This decision represents a significant admission by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is creating discomfort in environments such as elite athletics

Adams' involvement in Israeli politics is well known, though not formally designated

This squad started primarily due to the owner's enthusiasm for cycling, and belief that the activity can unite communities closer together in parts of the world distant from its continental heartland

Regardless of some major cycling tour leg victories, the team has experienced the pace challenging going at times at the elite tier, and cannot afford to lose sponsors such as Canadian pesticide specialists Premier Tech

As a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that corporate image is everything