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Throughout last month's Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced multiple interruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters organized protests against Israel's war in the Gaza Strip

Team representatives characterized the past few months as "an incredibly difficult period" but acknowledged "the need for transformation"

"Having steadfast dedication to our riders, staff, and important sponsors, the decision has been made to rename and restructure the squad, shifting departing from its present Israeli identity"

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

Squad Background and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes five British riders including multiple French cycling tour 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 sponsored by Canada-based company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

During the three-week Spanish tour, numerous protests and interruptions occurred, primarily focusing on the involvement of the cycling team

Halfway through the competition, the squad ceased using their complete name on their jerseys

The final stage of the tour around the Spanish capital was called off following Palestinian-supporting protests that caused scuffles with cyclists and blocked the route in several places

Recent Developments

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

This sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with the Israeli administration and has previously referred to himself as a "unofficial representative to the nation"

International Response

International professional cycling governing body the UCI has stated it will continue to accept Israel-based competitors at its events despite calls for athletic sanctions

After United Nations commission findings that declared the nation has committed mass killing against Palestinians in Gaza - a claim that the government rejects - there have been increasing calls for the nation to be banned from international football tournaments

Background of Hostilities

Israeli defense forces launched a operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-organized assault on southern the country on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 additional people were captured

According to reports from the territory's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israeli attacks in the territory since that time

Perspective: Business Image Factors

This decision represents a significant admission by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is causing discomfort in environments such as elite athletics

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

This team began largely due to Adams' passion for cycling, and conviction that the sport can bring communities more united in regions of the world distant from its continental heartland

Regardless of some Grand Tour stage victories, the team has experienced the pace challenging going at points at the elite tier, and is unable to risk to lose sponsors such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

As a billionaire businessman, Adams understands that business brand reputation is paramount