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Throughout last month's Vuelta a Espana, the team faced multiple interruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators staged actions regarding Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Team officials characterized the recent period as "a particularly difficult period" but acknowledged "the need for change"

"Having strong commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued sponsors, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the team, shifting away from its present Israeli identity"

"In sport, progress often demands compromise, and this measure is essential to ensuring the future of the organization"

Team History and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes several UK cyclists including multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Israeli-Canadian real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

Initially founded as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been sponsored by Canadian corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Events and Protests

During the three-week Vuelta, multiple demonstrations and interruptions occurred, mainly targeting the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway through the competition, the squad ceased displaying their complete name on their jerseys

The last leg of the tour around Madrid was cancelled following pro-Palestinian protests that caused scuffles with riders and obstructed the course in several locations

Recent Changes

Within the changes, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his daily role and will cease speak on the squad's behalf

The sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with the Israeli administration and has formerly referred to himself as a "unofficial representative to Israel"

International Reaction

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

After United Nations commission findings that stated Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinians in the territory - a allegation that the government denies - there have been increasing demands for the country to be banned from global football competition

Background of Conflict

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

Based on data from the region's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in the territory since that time

Analysis: Business Image Factors

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

Adams' engagement in Israeli politics is well known, although not officially designated

This squad began largely thanks to the owner's enthusiasm for cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite societies closer together in parts of the globe away from its European heartland

Regardless of some Grand Tour stage victories, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the pace challenging to maintain at times at the elite tier, and is unable to afford to lose sponsors such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

As a multi-billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that business brand reputation is paramount