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During last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad experienced multiple disruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators staged actions against the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip

Team officials described the recent period as "an incredibly challenging time" but recognized "the need for change"

"With steadfast dedication to our riders, staff, and valued sponsors, the choice has been made to rename and re-brand the team, shifting away from its present Israeli identity"

"Within sports, progress often requires sacrifice, and this measure is essential to securing the future of the team"

Team History and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes five British riders among them multiple Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Israeli-Canadian real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Protests

Throughout the three-week Vuelta, multiple protests and disruptions occurred, mainly targeting the participation of the cycling team

Halfway through the competition, the squad ceased displaying their full name on their jerseys

The final stage of the race around Madrid was called off following Palestinian-supporting protests that resulted in scuffles with riders and obstructed the course in multiple locations

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day responsibilities and will cease act on the squad's behalf

The 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with the Israeli administration and has previously described himself as a "unofficial representative to Israel"

International Reaction

International professional cycling governing body the UCI has declared it will persist to welcome Israeli athletes at its events despite demands for athletic boycotts

Following United Nations commission conclusions that declared Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in Gaza - a claim that the government denies - there have been growing calls for the nation to be banned from global soccer tournaments

Background of Hostilities

Israeli defense forces initiated a campaign in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-led attack on southern the country on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 others were taken hostage

According to data from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israel's attacks in the territory since that time

Analysis: Corporate Image Factors

The decision constitutes a major admission by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is creating unease in places such as professional sport

Adams' involvement in Israeli political affairs is well known, although not officially assigned

This team began primarily thanks to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite societies closer united in regions of the globe distant from its continental traditional base

Despite some major cycling tour leg wins, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the competition level hard to maintain at points at the top level, and cannot afford to lose financial backers such as Canada's pesticide experts Premier Tech

As a multi-billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that corporate image is everything