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Throughout the recent Vuelta a Espana, the team experienced multiple disruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters organized protests regarding the Israeli military campaign in Gaza

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

"With strong dedication to our cyclists, staff, and important partners, the decision has been made to rebrand and re-brand the team, moving departing from its present Israel-linked branding"

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

Team History and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes five UK cyclists including four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Canadian-Israeli real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

Originally founded as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the team has been sponsored by Canada-based company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Events and Demonstrations

During the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous demonstrations and interruptions took place, mainly focusing on the involvement of the cycling team

Midway during the race, the team ceased displaying their complete team name on their cycling uniforms

The final leg of the tour around Madrid was called off following Palestinian-supporting protests that caused altercations with cyclists and blocked the route in several places

Recent Developments

As part of the changes, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day responsibilities and will cease act on the team's representation

The 66-year-old businessman has been strongly linked with the Israeli government and has previously referred to himself as a "self-appointed representative to the nation"

International Response

World cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will persist to accept Israel-based competitors at its competitions despite calls for sporting sanctions

After UN commission findings that stated Israel has performed genocide against Palestinian people in the territory - a allegation that Israel rejects - there have been growing calls for the country to be suspended from international soccer competition

Background of Conflict

Israeli military initiated a campaign in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 others were taken hostage

Based on reports from the territory's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israel's military actions in the territory since then

Perspective: Corporate Image Considerations

This decision represents a significant admission by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is creating unease in places such as elite sport

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

The team began largely thanks to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and conviction that the sport can bring communities more united in regions of the globe distant from its continental traditional base

Despite several major cycling tour leg victories, the team has found the pace hard to maintain at points at the top tier, and is unable to afford to lose financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

Being a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that corporate brand reputation is paramount