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During last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced several disruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters staged protests regarding the Israeli war in Gaza

Squad officials characterized the past few months as "a particularly challenging period" but acknowledged "the necessity for transformation"

"Having strong commitment to our riders, staff, and valued partners, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the squad, moving departing from its current Israeli branding"

"In sport, progress often requires compromise, and this step is essential to securing the long-term viability of the organization"

Squad History and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes five British riders among them four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Israeli-Canadian real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

During the three-week Spanish tour, multiple demonstrations and disruptions occurred, mainly focusing on the involvement of the cycling team

Halfway during the competition, the squad stopped displaying their full name on their cycling uniforms

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

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his daily responsibilities and will cease speak on the team's behalf

The 66-year-old businessman has been closely linked with the Israeli government and has formerly described himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to Israel"

International Reaction

World professional cycling regulatory organization the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israel-based competitors at its events despite calls for athletic sanctions

Following United Nations commission conclusions that declared the nation has performed mass killing against Palestinian people in Gaza - a allegation that the government denies - there have been increasing calls for the nation to be suspended from international football competition

Context of Hostilities

The Israeli defense forces launched a operation in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 additional people were captured

Based on data from the region's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israeli military actions in the territory since that time

Perspective: Business Branding Factors

The choice represents a significant admission by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is causing discomfort in places such as professional athletics

Adams' engagement in Israel's politics is well known, though not formally assigned

The team began largely due to Adams' passion for cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite societies closer together in parts of the globe away from its European traditional base

Despite some major cycling tour leg wins, the team has experienced the pace challenging to maintain at times at the top tier, and cannot afford to jeopardize sponsors such as Canadian agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

Being a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that corporate image is paramount