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During last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced multiple disruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters staged actions against Israel's military campaign in Gaza

Team representatives characterized the recent period as "a particularly difficult period" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"Having strong commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued partners, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the squad, moving away from its current Israeli identity"

"In sport, advancement often demands sacrifice, and this measure is crucial to securing the future of the organization"

Team History and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes five UK cyclists including multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Israeli-Canadian real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Protests

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

Midway through the competition, the squad ceased using their full name on their jerseys

The last leg of the tour around Madrid was cancelled following pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in altercations with cyclists and blocked the route in multiple locations

Recent Developments

Within the changes, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day responsibilities and will no longer act on the team's behalf

This sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with the Israeli administration and has previously described himself as a "unofficial representative to the nation"

Global Response

World cycling regulatory organization the UCI has declared it will continue to welcome Israel-based competitors at its events despite calls for sporting boycotts

After UN commission findings that declared Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza - a allegation that Israel rejects - there have been growing demands for the nation to be suspended from global football tournaments

Context of Conflict

The Israeli defense forces launched a operation in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern regions of the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were murdered and 251 others were captured

Based on reports from the territory's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israel's military actions in Gaza since that time

Analysis: Business Branding Factors

This choice represents a significant acknowledgment by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is creating unease in environments such as elite athletics

Adams' involvement in Israel's politics is widely recognized, though not officially assigned

This team started primarily thanks to Adams' passion for cycling, and belief that the sport can unite societies more united in regions of the globe distant from its European heartland

Despite some Grand Tour stage wins, the team has experienced the competition level challenging to maintain at points at the top level, and cannot risk to jeopardize sponsors such as Canada's agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

As a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that business image is paramount