🔗 Share this article

Throughout last month's Spanish cycling tour, the squad experienced multiple disruptions as Palestinian-supporting demonstrators staged actions regarding Israel's war in Gaza

Team representatives characterized the past few months as "a particularly challenging period" but recognized "the need for change"

"Having strong dedication to our cyclists, staff, and important sponsors, the decision has been made to rebrand and restructure the squad, shifting away from its current Israeli branding"

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

Team History and Composition

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

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

Recent Incidents and Protests

Throughout the three-week Vuelta, multiple demonstrations and disruptions took place, primarily targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Midway through the race, the squad stopped using their complete team name on their jerseys

The last leg of the race around the Spanish capital was cancelled following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that caused altercations with cyclists and obstructed the course in multiple places

Recent Developments

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

This 66-year-old entrepreneur has been strongly linked with the Israeli administration and has previously described himself as a "unofficial representative to Israel"

International Response

World professional cycling regulatory organization the UCI has stated it will continue to welcome Israeli athletes at its competitions despite demands for athletic sanctions

After United Nations investigation conclusions that stated Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the territory - a allegation that the government denies - there have been growing demands for the nation to be suspended from global soccer tournaments

Context of Conflict

The Israeli military initiated a campaign in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern the country on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 additional people were captured

According to data from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 67,139 people have been fatally injured in Israeli military actions in Gaza since that time

Perspective: Business Image Considerations

The decision represents a significant acknowledgment by the team and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the presence of Israeli branding is creating unease in places such as elite sport

Adams' involvement in Israel's political affairs is well known, although not officially assigned

This team began primarily thanks to Adams' passion for cycling, and belief that the sport can bring communities closer together in regions of the globe away from its European traditional base

Despite several Grand Tour leg wins, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the competition level challenging going at points at the top tier, and is unable to afford to jeopardize financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical experts Premier Tech

Being a billionaire entrepreneur, Adams recognizes that corporate image is paramount