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During last month's Vuelta a Espana, the squad faced several interruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters organized actions regarding Israel's 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, team members, and valued partners, the decision has been made to rename and re-brand the squad, shifting away from its current Israel-linked branding"

"In sport, progress often requires compromise, and this measure is crucial to securing the long-term viability of the organization"

Team History and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features five British riders including four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams

Initially founded as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, the team has been sponsored by Canadian company Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the 21-day Vuelta, multiple demonstrations and interruptions took place, primarily focusing on the participation of the cycling team

Midway during the competition, the squad ceased using their full team name on their cycling uniforms

The final stage of the race around Madrid was called off following Palestinian-supporting protests that caused scuffles with riders and obstructed the route in multiple locations

Recent Developments

As part of the changes, squad proprietor Sylvan Adams will step back from his day-to-day responsibilities and will no longer speak on the squad's behalf

This 66-year-old businessman has been strongly linked with the Israeli government and has formerly referred to himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to the nation"

Global Response

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

After UN commission conclusions that stated the nation has performed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a claim that Israel rejects - there have been growing demands for the country to be suspended from global soccer competition

Context of Hostilities

The Israeli military initiated a operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-led assault on southern regions of the country on October 7th 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 others were captured

According to data from the region's Hamas-run health department, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then

Analysis: Corporate Image Factors

The choice represents a major acknowledgment by the squad and its owner Sylvan Adams that the presence of Brand Israel is causing discomfort in environments such as professional athletics

The owner's engagement in Israel's political affairs is well known, although not formally assigned

The squad began largely due to the owner's enthusiasm for professional cycling, and conviction that the sport can unite societies closer united in parts of the world distant from its continental heartland

Regardless of some Grand Tour stage victories, the team has found the competition level challenging to maintain at points at the elite level, and cannot risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

Being a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that business image is everything