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Throughout last month's Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced multiple interruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters organized actions regarding Israel's war in the Gaza Strip

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

"With steadfast dedication to our cyclists, staff, and important partners, the choice has been made to rebrand and re-brand the squad, shifting departing from its present Israeli branding"

"In sport, progress often demands compromise, and this measure is crucial to securing the long-term viability of the team"

Squad History and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features several UK riders including multiple French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

During the three-week Vuelta, numerous demonstrations and disruptions occurred, mainly focusing on the involvement of the cycling team

Halfway during the competition, the squad stopped displaying their full team name on their cycling uniforms

The last stage of the tour around Madrid was called off following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that resulted in altercations with cyclists and blocked the course in several locations

Recent Developments

As part of the changes, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily responsibilities and will no longer speak on the squad's representation

This sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with the Israeli government and has formerly described himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to the nation"

Global Reaction

World professional cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will continue to accept Israeli competitors at its competitions despite demands for athletic boycotts

Following United Nations commission conclusions that declared Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a allegation that the government rejects - there have been growing demands for the country to be banned from global football competition

Context of Hostilities

The Israeli defense forces launched a campaign in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-organized assault on southern regions of Israel on October 7th 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

According to data from the territory's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israeli military actions in the territory since then

Perspective: Corporate Image Considerations

The choice constitutes a significant admission by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is creating unease in places such as professional athletics

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

This squad started primarily due to Adams' enthusiasm for cycling, and conviction that the activity can bring societies more together in parts of the globe distant from its continental traditional base

Despite some major cycling tour stage wins, the team has found the competition level hard going at times at the top level, and cannot risk to lose financial backers such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

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