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Throughout last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced multiple disruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized actions regarding the Israeli war in Gaza

Squad representatives described the past few months as "a particularly difficult period" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"With strong commitment to our riders, staff, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and re-brand the team, moving departing from its present Israel-linked identity"

"Within sports, advancement often requires sacrifice, and this measure is crucial to securing the long-term viability of the organization"

Squad History and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech team, which features five UK cyclists including multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

During the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple demonstrations and disruptions took place, mainly targeting the participation of the cycling team

Halfway during the race, the squad ceased using their complete team name on their jerseys

The final stage of the tour around Madrid was cancelled following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that caused altercations with riders and obstructed the course in multiple places

Recent Developments

Within the changes, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his daily role and will cease speak on the squad's behalf

This sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with the Israeli government and has previously referred to himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

International Response

International professional cycling regulatory body the UCI has declared it will continue to accept Israeli athletes at its events despite calls for sporting sanctions

After United Nations investigation conclusions that stated Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a claim that the government rejects - there have been increasing demands for the nation to be banned from global football tournaments

Background of Conflict

Israeli defense forces initiated a campaign in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7th 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

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

Perspective: Business Branding Considerations

The choice represents a significant acknowledgment by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is causing discomfort in places such as professional athletics

The owner's involvement in Israeli politics is well known, although not officially assigned

The team began primarily thanks to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and conviction that the activity can bring societies more united in parts of the globe distant from its European traditional base

Despite several Grand Tour stage victories, the team has experienced the competition level challenging going at points at the elite level, and is unable to afford to jeopardize financial backers such as Canadian agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

As a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that corporate brand reputation is paramount