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During the recent Vuelta a Espana, the team experienced several interruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged actions against the Israeli war in Gaza

Squad representatives described the past few months as "an incredibly challenging period" but recognized "the need for transformation"

"With strong dedication to our cyclists, team members, and important sponsors, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the squad, shifting away from its present Israeli branding"

"In sport, advancement often demands compromise, and this measure is crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of the team"

Squad Background and Structure

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

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the 21-day Vuelta, multiple demonstrations and disruptions took place, primarily focusing on the involvement of the cycling team

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

The final stage of the race around Madrid was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and obstructed the route in multiple places

Recent Changes

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

The sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with the Israeli government and has formerly referred to himself as a "self-appointed representative to the nation"

International Reaction

World cycling regulatory body the UCI has stated it will continue to accept Israel-based competitors at its competitions despite demands for sporting boycotts

Following United Nations commission conclusions that declared the nation has performed mass killing against Palestinians in the territory - a claim that the government denies - there have been growing calls for the country to be banned from international football tournaments

Background of Conflict

Israeli defense forces initiated a operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-organized assault on southern regions of 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 Gaza since that time

Analysis: Corporate Image Factors

This choice represents a major acknowledgment by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is causing discomfort in environments such as professional athletics

The owner's engagement in Israel's political affairs is widely recognized, though not formally assigned

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

Regardless of several Grand Tour leg wins, Israel-Premier Tech has found the competition level challenging to maintain at points at the elite tier, and cannot afford to lose sponsors such as Canadian agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

Being a billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that business brand reputation is paramount