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Throughout the recent Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced several disruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized actions against Israel's military campaign in Gaza

Squad representatives described the recent period as "a particularly challenging time" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"Having steadfast dedication to our riders, staff, and valued partners, the choice has been made to rebrand and re-brand the team, shifting away from its current Israeli identity"

"Within sports, advancement often requires compromise, and this measure is crucial to ensuring the future of the team"

Team History and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features five UK cyclists including multiple French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Israeli-Canadian real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Demonstrations

During the 21-day Vuelta, numerous demonstrations and interruptions occurred, mainly targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

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

The last leg of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that caused altercations with riders and blocked the course in multiple places

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day responsibilities and will no longer act on the squad's representation

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has previously referred to himself as a "unofficial ambassador to the nation"

International Response

World cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will persist to accept Israel-based competitors at its competitions despite demands for sporting sanctions

After United Nations commission conclusions that declared the nation has committed mass killing against Palestinians in Gaza - a claim that Israel denies - there have been growing calls for the country to be suspended from international football competition

Background of Hostilities

The Israeli military initiated a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led assault on southern regions of the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

Based on reports from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israel's attacks in Gaza since then

Analysis: Business Image Factors

This choice represents a major acknowledgment by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Israeli branding is causing unease in places such as professional athletics

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

This team started largely due to Adams' enthusiasm for professional cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite societies more united in regions of the globe away from its European heartland

Regardless of some major cycling tour stage wins, Israel-Premier Tech has found the pace hard going at times at the top level, and is unable to afford to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's pesticide experts Premier Tech

Being a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that business image is everything