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During last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced several interruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized protests against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza

Squad representatives described the recent period as "a particularly difficult period" but acknowledged "the need for transformation"

"Having strong dedication to our cyclists, team members, and important sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the squad, shifting departing from its current Israeli branding"

"Within sports, advancement often requires compromise, and this step is essential to securing the future of the team"

Squad Background and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features several British cyclists among them multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Canadian-Israeli property billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Demonstrations

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple protests and interruptions occurred, mainly focusing on the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the race, the team stopped displaying their full team name on their jerseys

The final leg of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following pro-Palestinian protests that caused scuffles with riders and blocked the route in several locations

Recent Developments

As part of the changes, squad owner Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day role and will no longer speak on the squad's representation

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely associated with the Israeli administration and has formerly described himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

Global Reaction

World cycling regulatory body the UCI has declared it will persist to welcome Israeli athletes at its events despite calls for athletic sanctions

Following UN commission conclusions that declared Israel has performed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza - a allegation that Israel denies - there have been increasing demands for the country to be suspended from international football competition

Background of Hostilities

The Israeli military initiated a operation in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7th 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were murdered and 251 additional people 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 military actions in the territory since then

Perspective: Corporate Branding Factors

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

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

The squad started primarily thanks to the owner's passion for cycling, and conviction that the sport can bring communities closer united in parts of the globe away from its European heartland

Despite several Grand Tour leg victories, Israel-Premier Tech has found the pace challenging going at times at the top level, and cannot afford to lose financial backers such as Canadian agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

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