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Throughout the recent Vuelta a Espana, the squad experienced multiple interruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged protests against Israel's military campaign in Gaza

Squad representatives described the recent period as "a particularly difficult time" but recognized "the necessity for change"

"Having strong commitment to our riders, staff, and important sponsors, the choice has been made to rename and re-brand the team, moving departing from its current Israeli identity"

"Within sports, advancement often demands sacrifice, and this step is essential to ensuring the future of the team"

Team History and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech team, which features several UK riders including four-time French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian property tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

During the three-week Spanish tour, numerous protests and interruptions took place, mainly focusing on the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway through the competition, the squad stopped displaying their full name on their cycling uniforms

The final leg of the race around the Spanish capital was cancelled following Palestinian-supporting protests that caused altercations with cyclists and blocked the course in multiple places

Recent Changes

Within the changes, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day responsibilities and will no longer act on the team's representation

This 66-year-old businessman has been closely linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has formerly referred to himself as a "unofficial ambassador to the nation"

International Reaction

International professional cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will continue to accept Israeli athletes at its events despite calls for sporting boycotts

Following United Nations investigation findings that stated Israel has performed genocide against Palestinian people in the territory - a claim that the government denies - there have been increasing calls for the nation to be suspended from global soccer tournaments

Background of Hostilities

The Israeli military launched a operation in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-led attack on southern the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 others were captured

Based on reports from the territory's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israel's attacks in Gaza since then

Perspective: Business Branding Factors

This decision constitutes a major acknowledgment by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is causing unease in environments such as professional sport

Adams' involvement in Israel's politics is well known, although not formally designated

This team started primarily due to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and belief that the sport can unite societies closer together in parts of the world distant from its European heartland

Regardless of some major cycling tour stage victories, the team has experienced the competition level hard going at points at the top level, and is unable to risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's pesticide experts Premier Tech

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