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Throughout last month's Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced multiple disruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters organized actions against Israel's military campaign in Gaza

Squad representatives described the past few months as "an incredibly challenging time" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"Having steadfast commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rebrand and restructure the team, moving departing from its present Israel-linked identity"

"In sport, progress often requires compromise, and this step is essential to ensuring the long-term viability of the organization"

Team Background and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which features five British cyclists among them four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous protests and disruptions took place, primarily targeting the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

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

The last leg of the race around Madrid was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in altercations with cyclists and obstructed the course in multiple locations

Recent Changes

Within the changes, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day responsibilities and will cease speak on the team's representation

The 66-year-old businessman has been strongly associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has previously described himself as a "self-appointed representative to the nation"

International Reaction

World cycling governing body the UCI has declared it will persist to welcome Israel-based athletes at its events despite demands for sporting sanctions

Following UN investigation conclusions that stated Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinians in the territory - a allegation that Israel denies - there have been growing calls for the nation to be suspended from international soccer competition

Background of Hostilities

Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-organized assault on southern the country on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 others were taken hostage

According to reports from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israel's attacks in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Corporate Image Factors

The decision represents a major admission by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is creating unease in places such as elite athletics

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

This squad began primarily thanks to the owner's enthusiasm for cycling, and belief that the sport can unite societies more united in regions of the globe away from its continental heartland

Regardless of some Grand Tour leg victories, the team has experienced the competition level challenging to maintain at times at the top level, and cannot risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

As a billionaire businessman, Adams understands that corporate brand reputation is paramount