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Throughout the recent Vuelta a Espana, the team faced multiple disruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators organized actions against Israel's war in the Gaza Strip

Squad officials characterized the recent period as "a particularly difficult period" but recognized "the necessity for transformation"

"With strong dedication to our cyclists, staff, and important partners, the choice has been made to rename and restructure the team, moving departing from its present Israel-linked identity"

"In sport, advancement often demands sacrifice, and this step is essential to ensuring the long-term viability of the organization"

Team Background and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes several UK riders among them multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Israeli-Canadian real estate billionaire Sylvan Adams

Originally established as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been supported by Canada-based company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Events and Demonstrations

Throughout the three-week Vuelta, numerous protests and disruptions occurred, primarily targeting the participation of the cycling team

Halfway through the competition, the squad ceased using their full name on their cycling uniforms

The last leg of the tour around Madrid was called off following Palestinian-supporting demonstrations that resulted in altercations with riders and obstructed the route in several locations

Recent Changes

Within the changes, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day role and will cease speak on the squad's behalf

The sixty-six-year-old businessman has been strongly linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has previously described himself as a "self-appointed representative to the nation"

Global Reaction

International professional cycling regulatory organization the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israeli athletes at its competitions despite calls for athletic boycotts

After UN commission conclusions that declared Israel has committed genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza - a claim that the government denies - there have been increasing calls for the country to be suspended from global soccer competition

Background of Hostilities

Israeli military launched a operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-organized attack on southern regions of Israel on October 7th 2023, during which about 1,200 people were murdered and 251 others were taken hostage

Based on reports from the territory's Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 67,139 individuals have been fatally injured in Israeli attacks in the territory since that time

Perspective: Business Image Factors

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

The owner's involvement in Israel's politics is widely recognized, although not officially assigned

This team started largely due to Adams' enthusiasm for professional cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite societies more together in parts of the world distant from its European heartland

Despite some Grand Tour leg wins, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the competition level hard going at times at the elite tier, and is unable to risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canadian agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

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