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During the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters organized protests regarding the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Squad officials characterized the past few months as "a particularly challenging time" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"With strong commitment to our riders, staff, and important sponsors, the choice has been made to rename and re-brand the team, moving away from its present Israel-linked branding"

"Within sports, progress often demands compromise, and this step is crucial to securing the long-term viability of the team"

Team History and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes several British riders including four-time French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

Initially founded as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the team has been supported by Canadian corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

During the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple demonstrations and interruptions occurred, primarily focusing on the participation of the cycling team

Midway through the competition, the squad ceased displaying their full name on their jerseys

The final stage of the tour around Madrid was cancelled following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in altercations with cyclists and blocked the course in several places

Recent Changes

As part of the restructuring, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day responsibilities and will no longer speak on the team's representation

The 66-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly linked with the Israeli administration and has formerly described himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to Israel"

Global Response

World cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will persist to accept Israel-based competitors at its events despite calls for sporting boycotts

After UN investigation findings that declared Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a claim that the government denies - there have been increasing demands for the country to be banned from global soccer competition

Context of Conflict

Israeli military initiated a campaign in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-organized assault on southern the country on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were murdered and 251 additional people were captured

Based on data from the territory's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israel's attacks in Gaza since then

Analysis: Corporate Image Factors

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

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

This team started largely due to the owner's passion for professional cycling, and belief that the activity can bring communities closer together in regions of the world away from its continental heartland

Despite some Grand Tour stage wins, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace challenging to maintain at points at the top tier, and is unable to afford to lose financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

Being a multi-billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that corporate image is everything