🔗 Share this article

During the recent Vuelta a Espana, the team faced multiple disruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized actions regarding the Israeli war in Gaza

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

"Having steadfast commitment to our riders, staff, and valued partners, the choice has been made to rename and re-brand the team, moving away from its present Israel-linked branding"

"In sport, advancement often demands compromise, and this measure is essential to ensuring the future of the organization"

Team Background and Composition

The Israel-Premier Tech team, which includes several British cyclists among them multiple French cycling tour winner Chris Froome, is registered in Israel and owned by Canadian-Israeli property billionaire Sylvan Adams

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

Recent Events and Protests

Throughout the three-week Spanish tour, multiple demonstrations and disruptions took place, mainly targeting the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech

Halfway during the competition, the squad ceased using their complete team name on their jerseys

The last leg of the tour around the Spanish capital was called off following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that resulted in scuffles with cyclists and blocked the route in several places

Recent Changes

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

This sixty-six-year-old businessman has been closely linked with the Israeli administration and has formerly described himself as a "unofficial representative to the nation"

International Reaction

World professional cycling governing organization the UCI has declared it will continue to accept Israeli athletes at its events despite demands for sporting sanctions

Following United Nations commission findings that stated Israel has performed mass killing against Palestinian people in the territory - a claim that Israel denies - there have been growing demands for the country to be banned from international football competition

Background of Hostilities

The Israeli defense forces initiated a operation in Gaza 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 others were taken hostage

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

Perspective: Corporate Image Factors

This decision represents a significant admission by the squad and its proprietor Sylvan Adams that the inclusion of Israeli branding is creating unease in environments such as professional athletics

Adams' involvement in Israel's politics is widely recognized, though not officially assigned

This team started primarily due to Adams' enthusiasm for professional cycling, and conviction that the activity can unite societies closer united in parts of the globe distant from its European heartland

Regardless of some major cycling tour leg victories, Israel-Premier Tech has found the pace challenging going at points at the elite level, and cannot risk to lose financial backers such as Canada's agricultural chemical specialists Premier Tech

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