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Throughout last month's Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced multiple interruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters organized protests regarding the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip

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

"With steadfast dedication to our riders, staff, and important partners, the decision has been made to rebrand and restructure the squad, moving away from its current Israeli identity"

"In sport, advancement often demands sacrifice, and this measure is crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of the team"

Squad Background and Structure

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

Initially established as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been supported by Canada-based corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Protests

During the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple demonstrations and disruptions took place, mainly focusing on the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway through the competition, the team ceased using their complete team name on their cycling uniforms

The last leg of the race around Madrid was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that caused altercations with riders and obstructed the course in multiple locations

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, squad owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day responsibilities and will cease act on the squad's behalf

The 66-year-old businessman has been closely linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has previously referred to himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to Israel"

International Response

World professional cycling governing body the UCI has declared it will persist to accept Israeli athletes at its competitions despite demands for sporting sanctions

After UN investigation conclusions that stated the nation has committed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a claim that Israel denies - there have been growing demands for the nation to be banned from global football competition

Context of Hostilities

Israeli defense forces initiated a campaign in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-organized attack on southern regions of the country on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 additional people were captured

According to data from the region's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Corporate Image Considerations

This decision represents a significant admission by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Israeli branding is creating unease in places such as elite athletics

The owner's involvement in Israel's politics is well known, although not officially assigned

The team began largely thanks to the owner's passion for professional cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite communities more together in regions of the world distant from its continental heartland

Despite several major cycling tour stage victories, the team has found the pace challenging to maintain at times at the elite tier, and cannot afford to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

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