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During the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced several disruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters organized actions regarding Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip

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

"Having steadfast dedication to our riders, staff, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rebrand and re-brand the team, shifting departing from its present Israel-linked branding"

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

Team History and Composition

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

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

Recent Events and Protests

Throughout the three-week Spanish tour, numerous protests and interruptions took place, mainly focusing on the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

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

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

Recent Developments

Within the restructuring, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day role and will cease act on the team's representation

The 66-year-old businessman has been strongly linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has formerly described himself as a "unofficial ambassador to Israel"

International Reaction

World cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israel-based athletes at its events despite demands for sporting boycotts

After United Nations commission conclusions that stated the nation has committed genocide against Palestinian people in the territory - a claim that Israel rejects - there have been growing calls for the nation to be suspended from global soccer competition

Background of Conflict

The Israeli defense forces initiated a campaign in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-led assault on southern regions of the country on October 7th 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 additional people were captured

According to data from the region's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israel's attacks in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Business Branding Factors

The choice constitutes a significant admission by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Israeli branding is causing discomfort in places such as professional athletics

Adams' involvement in Israel's political affairs is widely recognized, although not officially assigned

This squad began primarily due to Adams' passion for cycling, and conviction that the sport can bring societies more together in regions of the world distant from its European heartland

Despite several major cycling tour leg victories, the team has experienced the competition level challenging going at points at the elite level, and is unable to afford to jeopardize sponsors such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

As a billionaire businessman, Adams understands that business image is everything