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Throughout the recent Vuelta a Espana, the team faced several disruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators staged actions regarding Israel's war in Gaza

Squad representatives described the past few months as "a particularly challenging period" but acknowledged "the necessity for change"

"With strong commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued partners, the choice has been made to rebrand and restructure the squad, shifting departing from its present Israel-linked branding"

"In sport, progress often requires sacrifice, and this step is crucial to ensuring the future of the team"

Squad History and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes several British cyclists including four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Canadian-Israeli property tycoon Sylvan Adams

Initially founded as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been supported by Canadian company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous demonstrations and interruptions occurred, primarily focusing on the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway during the race, the squad stopped using their full team name on their cycling uniforms

The final leg of the tour around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and blocked the route in several places

Recent Changes

As part of the restructuring, squad owner Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day responsibilities and will cease act on the squad's behalf

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been closely linked with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has previously referred to himself as a "self-appointed representative to Israel"

Global Response

World cycling governing organization the UCI has stated it will persist to accept Israel-based athletes at its competitions despite demands for sporting sanctions

Following United Nations commission findings that declared Israel has performed mass killing against Palestinians in Gaza - a claim that the government denies - there have been growing calls for the nation to be suspended from global football tournaments

Background of Hostilities

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

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

Analysis: Corporate Branding Considerations

This decision represents a major acknowledgment by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is causing discomfort in places such as professional athletics

Adams' involvement in Israeli political affairs is widely recognized, although not formally assigned

The squad started largely due to Adams' enthusiasm for professional cycling, and conviction that the activity can bring communities more united in parts of the globe away from its continental heartland

Regardless of some Grand Tour stage victories, the team has experienced the competition level hard going at points at the elite level, and is unable to afford to lose sponsors such as Canadian agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

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