🔗 Share this article

During the recent Vuelta a Espana, the team faced several disruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters staged actions against Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Team representatives characterized the past few months as "an incredibly challenging time" but acknowledged "the necessity for transformation"

"With steadfast commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued partners, the decision has been made to rename and re-brand the squad, shifting away from its current Israel-linked identity"

"In sport, advancement often requires compromise, and this measure is essential to securing the long-term viability of the team"

Team History and Composition

Israel-Premier Tech squad, which features several UK cyclists among them multiple Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and owned by Israeli-Canadian real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

Originally founded as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been sponsored by Canada-based corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Incidents and Demonstrations

During the 21-day Spanish tour, numerous demonstrations and disruptions occurred, primarily targeting the participation of the cycling team

Halfway through the race, the squad ceased displaying their full name on their jerseys

The last stage of the tour around the Spanish capital was called off following Palestinian-supporting protests that resulted in altercations with cyclists and obstructed the course in several locations

Recent Changes

Within the changes, squad owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily responsibilities and will cease speak on the team's representation

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"

Global Reaction

International professional cycling regulatory body the UCI has declared it will continue to welcome Israeli competitors at its events despite demands for athletic sanctions

After UN investigation findings that stated Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinians in Gaza - a claim that Israel denies - there have been growing demands for the country to be banned from international soccer competition

Background of Conflict

Israeli military initiated a operation in the Gaza Strip in reaction to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people 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 Israel's attacks in the territory since that time

Analysis: Business Image Factors

This decision represents a major acknowledgment by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Brand Israel is creating discomfort in environments such as elite athletics

The owner's engagement in Israeli political affairs is well known, though not officially designated

This team began primarily thanks to Adams' passion for professional cycling, and conviction that the activity can bring communities closer together in parts of the world away from its European traditional base

Despite several major cycling tour leg victories, the team has experienced the competition level challenging to maintain at times at the top level, and is unable to risk to jeopardize financial backers such as Canadian pesticide experts Premier Tech

Being a billionaire businessman, Adams understands that business image is paramount