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During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the team faced multiple disruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged protests against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza

Squad representatives described the recent period as "an incredibly challenging time" but recognized "the need for transformation"

"With strong dedication to our riders, team members, and important partners, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the squad, moving away from its present Israel-linked identity"

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

Team History and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features five British cyclists among them four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Demonstrations

Throughout the 21-day Vuelta, multiple protests and disruptions took place, mainly targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the race, the squad ceased displaying their complete team 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 cyclists and blocked the route in several locations

Recent Changes

As part of the changes, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day responsibilities and will no longer speak on the squad's behalf

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

International Response

International cycling regulatory body the UCI has declared it will continue to accept Israel-based competitors at its events despite calls for sporting boycotts

Following UN commission conclusions that stated the nation has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in the territory - a allegation that the government rejects - there have been increasing demands for the nation to be banned from international football competition

Context of Conflict

Israeli defense forces launched a operation in Gaza in response to the Hamas-organized assault on southern Israel on October 7th 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 others were taken hostage

Based on reports from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, 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 significant admission by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is creating unease in places such as professional sport

Adams' involvement in Israeli politics is well known, though not officially designated

The squad began largely due to Adams' enthusiasm for cycling, and conviction that the activity can bring communities more together in regions of the world distant from its European traditional base

Despite several Grand Tour leg wins, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace hard to maintain at points at the top level, and is unable to risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canadian pesticide specialists Premier Tech

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