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Throughout last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced several disruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged actions against Israel's military campaign in Gaza

Team officials characterized the recent period as "a particularly difficult period" but recognized "the necessity for transformation"

"With steadfast dedication to our cyclists, staff, and important sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the team, moving departing from its present Israel-linked branding"

"In sport, progress often requires sacrifice, and this step is essential to securing the future of the team"

Team History and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features several British cyclists among them multiple Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous demonstrations and disruptions took place, primarily focusing on the involvement 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 Madrid was cancelled following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and blocked the route in several places

Recent Changes

As part of the changes, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his daily role and will cease speak on the team's behalf

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with the Israeli government and has previously referred to himself as a "unofficial representative to the nation"

Global Response

International cycling governing body the UCI has declared it will continue to accept Israel-based athletes at its competitions despite calls for sporting boycotts

After United Nations commission conclusions that declared the nation has performed mass killing against Palestinian people in the territory - a claim that Israel denies - there have been growing demands for the nation to be suspended from international soccer tournaments

Context of Conflict

Israeli military initiated a operation in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-led attack on southern regions of the country on October 7th 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 others were captured

Based on data from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israeli military actions in Gaza since then

Perspective: Business Branding Factors

This decision constitutes a major admission by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is creating unease in environments such as professional athletics

Adams' engagement in Israel's politics is well known, though not formally assigned

The squad started primarily due to the owner's enthusiasm for professional cycling, and belief that the activity can bring societies closer united in parts of the world away from its continental traditional base

Regardless of some major cycling tour leg wins, the team has experienced the pace challenging going at times at the top level, and is unable to risk to lose sponsors such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

Being a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that corporate brand reputation is paramount