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During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized actions against Israel's war in Gaza

Squad representatives described the recent period as "an incredibly challenging period" but acknowledged "the need for change"

"Having steadfast dedication to our riders, staff, and valued sponsors, the choice has been made to rebrand and re-brand the team, moving away from its current Israeli branding"

"Within sports, advancement often requires sacrifice, and this step is crucial to securing the future of the organization"

Team Background and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which features five British cyclists among them four-time French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Canadian-Israeli real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

Initially established as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the team has been sponsored by Canada-based company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Events and Demonstrations

Throughout the three-week Spanish tour, multiple demonstrations and interruptions took place, mainly focusing on the involvement of the cycling team

Midway through the competition, the team stopped using their complete name on their jerseys

The last stage of the tour around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and obstructed the course in multiple places

Recent Changes

As part of the changes, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily role and will no longer act on the squad's behalf

The 66-year-old businessman has been closely linked with the Israeli government and has formerly described himself as a "self-appointed representative to the nation"

Global Reaction

World professional cycling governing body the UCI has stated it will persist to welcome Israeli competitors at its events despite calls for athletic sanctions

Following United Nations investigation conclusions that declared Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinians in Gaza - a claim that Israel rejects - there have been increasing calls for the nation to be suspended from global soccer tournaments

Background of Hostilities

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

Based on data from the territory's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israel's military actions in the territory since that time

Perspective: Business Image Factors

This choice constitutes a major acknowledgment by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Israeli branding is creating discomfort in places such as elite athletics

The owner's engagement in Israel's politics is well known, although not formally designated

The team started largely due to the owner's enthusiasm for cycling, and belief that the activity can unite societies closer together in parts of the globe distant from its European heartland

Regardless of several Grand Tour leg victories, the team has found the pace hard going at times at the elite level, and is unable to afford to lose sponsors such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

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