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Throughout last month's Vuelta a Espana, the team experienced several disruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters staged actions regarding the Israeli military campaign in Gaza

Squad officials described the past few months as "an incredibly difficult time" but acknowledged "the need for change"

"With steadfast commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued sponsors, the decision has been made to rebrand and restructure the team, moving departing from its current Israel-linked identity"

"Within sports, progress often requires compromise, and this measure is essential to ensuring the long-term viability of the team"

Squad History and Structure

Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes several British cyclists among them multiple French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

During the three-week Spanish tour, multiple protests and interruptions took place, mainly targeting the participation of the cycling team

Halfway through the competition, the team stopped using their complete name on their jerseys

The final leg of the tour around the Spanish capital was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in scuffles with riders and obstructed the route in multiple locations

Recent Changes

Within the restructuring, team proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day role and will cease speak on the team's behalf

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

International Reaction

International cycling regulatory body the UCI has stated it will persist to welcome Israel-based competitors at its events despite calls for sporting boycotts

Following UN investigation conclusions that declared Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinians in the territory - a allegation that the government rejects - there have been increasing demands for the country to be banned from international soccer competition

Background of Hostilities

Israeli military initiated a campaign in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-organized assault on southern regions of Israel on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 additional people were captured

Based on data from the region's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israel's military actions in the territory since then

Analysis: Corporate Image Factors

The choice represents a major acknowledgment by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is creating unease in environments such as elite sport

Adams' engagement in Israeli political affairs is well known, although not formally designated

The team started primarily due to the owner's enthusiasm for cycling, and conviction that the activity can bring communities more together in parts of the world distant from its European heartland

Regardless of some Grand Tour leg victories, the team has found the pace hard to maintain at times at the elite tier, and is unable to risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canadian pesticide specialists Premier Tech

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