🔗 Share this article

Throughout the recent Spanish cycling tour, the squad faced several disruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized actions against Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip

Squad officials described the recent period as "a particularly difficult time" but acknowledged "the need for change"

"With strong commitment to our cyclists, staff, and valued sponsors, the choice has been made to rebrand and re-brand the team, moving departing from its current Israeli branding"

"Within sports, progress often requires sacrifice, and this step is essential to securing the long-term viability of the team"

Squad History and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech squad, which includes five British riders including four-time French cycling tour champion Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and controlled by Canadian-Israeli real estate tycoon Sylvan Adams

Originally established as the Cycling Academy in 2014, the organization has been supported by Canadian corporation Premier Tech since 2022

Recent Events and Demonstrations

Throughout the three-week Spanish tour, multiple protests and disruptions occurred, mainly focusing on the participation of the cycling team

Midway during the race, the squad stopped displaying their full name on their jerseys

The final stage of the tour around Madrid was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in altercations with riders and obstructed the route in several locations

Recent Developments

As part of the restructuring, team owner Sylvan Adams will withdraw from his daily responsibilities and will cease speak on the squad's behalf

This sixty-six-year-old businessman has been closely linked with the Israeli government and has formerly referred to himself as a "unofficial ambassador to Israel"

International Reaction

World professional cycling regulatory organization the UCI has stated it will continue to accept Israel-based competitors at its competitions despite calls for sporting sanctions

After UN investigation findings that stated the nation has performed mass killing against Palestinians in Gaza - a allegation that the government denies - there have been growing demands for the country to be suspended from international soccer tournaments

Background of Hostilities

Israeli defense forces initiated a campaign in Gaza in reaction to the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7th 2023, during which about 1,200 individuals were murdered and 251 others were captured

According to reports from the region's Hamas-controlled health department, at least 67,139 individuals have been killed in Israeli military actions in the territory since then

Perspective: Business Image Considerations

This choice represents a major acknowledgment by the team and its owner Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Israeli branding is creating unease in places such as professional sport

The owner's involvement in Israel's political affairs is widely recognized, though not formally designated

This squad began largely thanks to the owner's enthusiasm for professional cycling, and conviction that the sport can bring societies closer united in parts of the globe distant from its continental traditional base

Regardless of some major cycling tour stage victories, Israel-Premier Tech has experienced the competition level challenging to maintain at times at the top level, and cannot afford to lose financial backers such as Canada's pesticide specialists Premier Tech

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