Canadian company Premier Tech said Friday it had ended its sponsorship deal with Israel-Premier Tech cycling with immediate effect after protests against the team's participation in races.

Israel-Premier Tech was targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters at several races this year, with stages of the Vuelta a España Grand Tour in August and September disrupted by demonstrators.

The team, owned by Canadian-Israeli property developer Sylvan Adams, also faced isolated protests during the sport's other two main stage races — the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France.

Premier Tech Ends Partnership Over Political Backlash

After the Vuelta, the Canadian multinational Premier Tech called for the team to change its name to remove “Israel” and adopt a new identity and brand image. The team agreed to move away from an “Israeli identity.”

On Friday, Premier Tech decided to withdraw altogether.

"After multiple discussions with the team and careful assessment of all relevant circumstances, Premier Tech has decided to step down as co-title sponsor of the team taking effect immediately," a company statement said.

"The core reason for Premier Tech to sponsor the team has been overshadowed to a point where it has become untenable for us to continue as a sponsor," it added.

Team Faces Uncertain Future Amid Ongoing Conflict

In October, Adams stepped back from his day-to-day involvement with the team and no longer speaks on its behalf. Although the team is privately owned rather than state-run, Adams had dubbed himself an unofficial ambassador for Israel, which remains at war with Palestinian armed group Hamas in Gaza.

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee said in October that the team was seeking millions of euros in damages from him after he left over what he described as a “personal-belief standpoint.”

The team joined the WorldTour elite level of road racing ahead of the 2020 season and in July that year recruited four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome.