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During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the squad experienced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters organized protests regarding Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Squad officials characterized the recent period as "a particularly difficult time" but acknowledged "the need for transformation"

"Having strong commitment to our cyclists, staff, and important sponsors, the choice has been made to rebrand and re-brand the squad, moving away from its current Israel-linked identity"

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

Squad Background and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features several British cyclists among them four-time French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Israeli-Canadian property tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Protests

During the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple protests and disruptions took place, mainly targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway through the race, the team stopped using their full name on their jerseys

The last stage of the race around Madrid was cancelled following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and obstructed the route in several places

Recent Changes

Within the changes, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day responsibilities and will cease act on the team's behalf

This 66-year-old businessman has been closely linked with the Israeli administration and has previously referred to himself as a "unofficial representative to Israel"

Global Reaction

World professional cycling governing body the UCI has stated it will persist to welcome Israeli athletes at its events despite demands for athletic sanctions

Following United Nations investigation findings that declared Israel has performed mass killing against Palestinians in Gaza - a claim that Israel denies - there have been increasing demands for the nation to be banned from international soccer competition

Background of Hostilities

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

Based on data from the region's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israel's military actions in the territory since then

Perspective: Business Image Factors

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

The owner's engagement in Israeli politics is widely recognized, though not officially assigned

This squad started primarily due to the owner's passion for professional cycling, and belief that the sport can unite communities closer together in parts of the world distant from its European heartland

Regardless of some Grand Tour stage wins, the team has experienced the pace challenging to maintain at points at the top level, and cannot afford to jeopardize sponsors such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

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