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During the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced several interruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters organized protests against Israel's war in the Gaza Strip

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

"Having strong commitment to our riders, team members, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and re-brand the team, shifting departing from its current Israeli branding"

"Within sports, progress often demands compromise, and this measure is crucial to securing the future of the organization"

Team History and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes five UK cyclists including multiple Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Canadian-Israeli real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

Initially founded as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, the team has been supported by Canada-based corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Events and Protests

During the three-week Spanish tour, multiple protests and disruptions took place, mainly targeting the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

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

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

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day responsibilities and will cease act on the team's behalf

This sixty-six-year-old businessman has been strongly associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has formerly referred to himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to Israel"

International Reaction

World professional cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israel-based competitors at its competitions despite demands for sporting sanctions

After United Nations commission conclusions that stated the nation has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in the territory - a allegation that Israel rejects - there have been growing calls for the nation to be banned from international soccer tournaments

Context of Hostilities

Israeli military launched a campaign in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-organized attack on southern regions of the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

According to reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israel's attacks in the territory since then

Perspective: Corporate Branding Factors

This choice constitutes a significant admission by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is causing discomfort in places such as professional athletics

Adams' involvement in Israel's political affairs is well known, although not officially assigned

The squad began largely thanks to the owner's passion for cycling, and belief that the activity can bring communities more united in parts of the world distant from its continental heartland

Despite some major cycling tour leg wins, the team has experienced the competition level hard going at points at the top tier, and cannot risk to jeopardize sponsors such as Canada's agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

Being a billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that corporate image is paramount