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During last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad experienced multiple interruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters staged actions against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza

Team representatives described the recent period as "an incredibly difficult period" but acknowledged "the need for transformation"

"With strong dedication to our riders, team members, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the team, moving departing from its present Israeli identity"

"Within sports, progress often demands sacrifice, and this step is crucial to ensuring the future of the team"

Team History and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which features five UK riders among them multiple Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams

Originally established as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been supported by Canadian corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

Throughout the 21-day Vuelta, multiple demonstrations and disruptions occurred, primarily focusing on the participation of the cycling team

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

The last leg of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following pro-Palestinian protests that caused scuffles with cyclists and blocked the course in several locations

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, squad owner Sylvan Adams will step back from his daily role and will no longer act on the squad's representation

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with the Israeli government and has previously referred to himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

International Response

World cycling regulatory body the UCI has declared it will continue to welcome Israel-based athletes at its events despite calls for sporting sanctions

After United Nations investigation findings that declared the nation has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in the territory - a allegation that the government denies - there have been increasing calls for the country to be suspended from international football tournaments

Background of Hostilities

Israeli defense forces launched a operation in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-organized assault on southern regions of the country on October 7th 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 additional people were captured

Based on reports from the territory's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israeli military actions in Gaza since that time

Analysis: Corporate Image Considerations

This choice constitutes a significant acknowledgment by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is causing discomfort in places such as professional sport

The owner's involvement in Israeli political affairs is widely recognized, although not officially designated

The squad began primarily due to the owner's passion for professional cycling, and belief that the activity can bring societies more united in parts of the world distant from its continental heartland

Regardless of several major cycling tour stage victories, the team has found the competition level hard to maintain at points at the elite tier, and is unable to risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

As a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams understands that corporate brand reputation is everything