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During last month's Spanish cycling tour, the team experienced several disruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized protests against Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Team officials characterized the recent period as "an incredibly difficult time" but recognized "the need for change"

"Having strong dedication to our cyclists, team members, and important partners, the decision has been made to rebrand and restructure the team, moving away from its current Israel-linked identity"

"In sport, advancement often demands compromise, and this measure is crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of the team"

Team Background and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech team, which features five UK cyclists including four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Israeli-Canadian real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

During the three-week Spanish tour, numerous protests and interruptions took place, mainly targeting the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the race, the team stopped using their complete name on their cycling uniforms

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

Recent Changes

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

The 66-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly associated with the Israeli government and has formerly described himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to Israel"

Global Reaction

World cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israeli athletes at its events despite demands for sporting boycotts

After United Nations investigation findings that declared Israel has performed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a claim that the government rejects - there have been increasing calls for the nation to be banned from international football tournaments

Background of Conflict

The Israeli defense forces initiated a operation in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-organized assault on southern regions of the country on October 7th 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 additional people were captured

Based on reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israeli military actions in the territory since then

Analysis: Business Image Considerations

The decision represents a significant admission by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is causing discomfort in places such as professional sport

The owner's involvement in Israel's politics is widely recognized, though not officially designated

This squad began largely due to the owner's passion for cycling, and belief that the sport can bring societies closer together in parts of the world away from its European traditional base

Despite some Grand Tour leg wins, Israel-Premier Tech has found the pace hard going at points at the elite level, and cannot afford to lose sponsors such as Canada's pesticide experts Premier Tech

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