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Throughout last month's Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized protests against the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Team representatives described the recent period as "a particularly challenging period" but recognized "the necessity for transformation"

"Having steadfast dedication to our cyclists, team members, and important partners, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the squad, shifting departing from its present Israel-linked identity"

"Within sports, progress often requires sacrifice, and this step is essential to ensuring the long-term viability of the organization"

Team Background and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech team, which features several UK riders among them multiple Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Canadian-Israeli real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Protests

During the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple demonstrations and disruptions occurred, mainly targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway during the competition, the squad stopped using their complete team name on their jerseys

The final stage of the race around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that caused scuffles with riders and blocked the course in multiple locations

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day role and will no longer speak on the squad's behalf

The sixty-six-year-old businessman has been closely linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has formerly referred to himself as a "unofficial ambassador to Israel"

International Response

International professional cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will continue to accept Israel-based athletes at its competitions despite calls for athletic boycotts

Following United Nations commission conclusions that stated Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinian people in the territory - a allegation that the government rejects - there have been growing demands for the nation to be banned from global soccer tournaments

Background of Hostilities

Israeli military initiated a operation in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-organized attack on southern regions of the country on October 7th 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

Based on reports from the territory's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israel's attacks in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Corporate Branding Considerations

This choice represents a major admission by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is causing unease in environments such as elite athletics

The owner's involvement in Israel's politics is widely recognized, although not formally assigned

This team started largely due to Adams' passion for cycling, and belief that the sport can unite societies more together in regions of the world away from its European traditional base

Despite some major cycling tour stage victories, the team has experienced the competition level hard to maintain at times at the elite tier, and is unable to risk to lose financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

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