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During the recent Vuelta a Espana, the team experienced multiple interruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters staged protests against Israel's war in Gaza

Squad representatives characterized the recent period as "a particularly difficult time" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"Having steadfast commitment to our cyclists, team members, and valued partners, the decision has been made to rebrand and restructure the squad, shifting departing from its present Israeli branding"

"Within sports, progress often requires sacrifice, and this measure is crucial to securing the future of the organization"

Squad History and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech team, which features several UK cyclists among them multiple Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Protests

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, multiple protests and interruptions took place, primarily focusing on the participation of the cycling team

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

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

Recent Developments

Within the changes, squad owner Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day responsibilities and will cease act on the team's representation

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has formerly referred to himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to the nation"

International Reaction

International professional cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will persist to accept Israeli athletes at its events despite calls for athletic boycotts

Following UN investigation findings that stated Israel has performed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza - a claim that Israel rejects - there have been growing demands for the nation to be banned from international soccer competition

Background of Hostilities

Israeli defense forces initiated a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-organized attack on southern the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 additional people were taken hostage

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

Perspective: Corporate Branding Considerations

This choice constitutes a major acknowledgment by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is creating unease in places such as elite athletics

The owner's engagement in Israeli politics is well known, though not officially designated

The team started largely thanks to the owner's enthusiasm for cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite societies more together in regions of the world away from its continental heartland

Despite several major cycling tour stage wins, Israel-Premier Tech has found the competition level hard to maintain at times at the elite level, and is unable to afford to jeopardize financial backers such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

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