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Throughout the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad experienced multiple interruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators staged actions regarding the Israeli war in Gaza

Team representatives described the recent period as "an incredibly difficult time" but acknowledged "the necessity for transformation"

"With strong dedication to our riders, staff, and valued partners, the decision has been made to rebrand and restructure the team, shifting away from its current Israel-linked identity"

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

Squad History and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes several UK riders among them multiple Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Canadian-Israeli property 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 Incidents and Demonstrations

Throughout the three-week Vuelta, numerous demonstrations and interruptions occurred, primarily targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway through the competition, the squad stopped using their full name on their cycling uniforms

The last stage of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in altercations with riders and obstructed the course in several places

Recent Changes

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

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with the Israeli administration and has formerly referred to himself as a "unofficial representative to the nation"

Global Response

World professional cycling regulatory body the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israeli competitors at its events despite demands for athletic boycotts

Following UN investigation conclusions that stated the nation has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in Gaza - a allegation that Israel denies - there have been growing demands for the country to be suspended from international football competition

Background of Conflict

The Israeli military launched a operation in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-organized attack on southern regions of Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 others were captured

Based on reports from the territory's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israeli attacks in the territory since then

Analysis: Corporate Image Factors

The choice constitutes a significant admission by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is creating discomfort in environments such as elite sport

Adams' engagement in Israeli political affairs is well known, though not formally assigned

The team began primarily due to the owner's enthusiasm for cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite societies closer together in regions of the world away from its continental traditional base

Despite several Grand Tour leg wins, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the competition level hard going at points at the elite level, and cannot risk to lose financial backers such as Canadian agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

As a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams understands that business image is paramount