🔗 Share this article

Throughout the recent Vuelta a Espana, the team experienced several interruptions as Palestinian-supporting protesters staged actions regarding Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip

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

"With strong dedication to our riders, staff, and important sponsors, the decision has been made to rebrand and restructure the team, moving away from its present Israeli branding"

"Within sports, progress often demands compromise, and this step is crucial to ensuring the future of the team"

Squad History and Structure

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which features five UK riders among them four-time French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is Israeli-registered and controlled by Israeli-Canadian property tycoon Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the 21-day Vuelta, numerous demonstrations and disruptions took place, primarily targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the competition, the squad stopped using their full team name on their jerseys

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

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, squad owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his day-to-day role and will cease act on the team's representation

This 66-year-old businessman has been strongly associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and has formerly referred to himself as a "self-appointed ambassador to Israel"

Global Reaction

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

After United Nations commission conclusions that declared Israel has committed mass killing against Palestinians in the territory - a allegation that the government denies - there have been increasing calls for the country to be suspended from global soccer competition

Background of Conflict

Israeli military initiated a campaign in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-organized assault on southern Israel on October 7th 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 additional people were taken hostage

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

Analysis: Corporate Image Factors

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

Adams' involvement in Israel's politics is well known, though not officially designated

This team began primarily due to the owner's passion for professional cycling, and belief that the activity can unite societies closer united in parts of the globe away from its continental heartland

Regardless of some Grand Tour stage wins, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the competition level hard to maintain at points at the top level, and cannot afford to lose financial backers such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

As a billionaire businessman, Adams recognizes that corporate image is paramount