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During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the team faced multiple interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters staged actions regarding the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Squad officials described the recent period as "a particularly challenging period" but acknowledged "the necessity for transformation"

"Having steadfast commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and re-brand the squad, shifting departing from its current Israel-linked identity"

"Within sports, advancement often demands compromise, and this step is crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of the organization"

Team Background and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes several British cyclists among them multiple Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Israeli-Canadian property tycoon Sylvan Adams

Initially established as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been sponsored by Canadian company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Events and Demonstrations

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple demonstrations and interruptions occurred, primarily targeting the participation of the cycling team

Midway during the competition, the squad stopped using their full name on their cycling uniforms

The last stage of the race around the Spanish capital was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in altercations with riders and blocked the route in several places

Recent Changes

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

The 66-year-old businessman has been strongly linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has previously referred to himself as a "unofficial representative to Israel"

Global Response

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

After United Nations investigation conclusions that declared the nation has performed mass killing against Palestinian people in Gaza - a allegation that the government rejects - there have been increasing calls for the nation to be banned from international soccer tournaments

Context of Hostilities

The Israeli defense forces launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-organized assault on southern regions of the country on October 7th 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage

Based on reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israel's military actions in Gaza since that time

Analysis: Business Image Factors

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

Adams' involvement in Israeli politics is widely recognized, though not officially designated

The team started primarily thanks to Adams' passion for cycling, and conviction that the sport can bring societies closer together in regions of the globe distant from its continental heartland

Despite several Grand Tour stage wins, the team has experienced the pace challenging to maintain at times at the elite tier, and is unable to risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canadian pesticide specialists Premier Tech

Being a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams understands that corporate brand reputation is everything