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Throughout last month's Spanish cycling tour, the squad experienced multiple disruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged protests against the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Squad officials described the past few months as "a particularly difficult time" but acknowledged "the necessity for transformation"

"With steadfast dedication to our cyclists, team members, and important partners, the decision has been made to rename and re-brand the squad, shifting departing from its current Israeli identity"

"Within sports, progress often requires compromise, and this measure is crucial to ensuring the future of the organization"

Squad Background and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which features several UK cyclists among them multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Israeli-Canadian property tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the three-week Vuelta, multiple protests and interruptions occurred, primarily focusing on the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway through the competition, the squad ceased displaying their full team name on their jerseys

The last leg of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in altercations with riders and blocked the route in several places

Recent Changes

As part of the changes, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day role and will no longer speak on the squad's representation

This 66-year-old businessman has been strongly linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has previously referred to himself as a "unofficial representative to the nation"

Global Response

World professional cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will continue to accept Israeli athletes at its events despite calls for athletic sanctions

Following United Nations investigation conclusions that declared Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in the territory - a allegation that Israel denies - there have been growing demands for the country to be banned from international soccer tournaments

Context of Conflict

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

According to reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israeli military actions in Gaza since then

Perspective: Corporate Image Factors

The decision represents a significant admission by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is causing unease in places such as professional sport

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

This team began primarily thanks to Adams' enthusiasm for cycling, and belief that the activity can unite societies closer together in parts of the globe distant from its continental traditional base

Despite several Grand Tour stage victories, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace hard to maintain at points at the top level, and cannot risk to lose sponsors such as Canadian pesticide specialists Premier Tech

Being a billionaire businessman, Adams understands that corporate image is everything