Following two seasons in the Continental rank, Israel’s only pro team: Cycling Academy Team, is planning to make the move to the Pro-Continental ranks in 2017.
The team aims to compete in the Tour of California and the Classics in 2017, eyeing a Gran-Tour debut in 2018 and is currently negotiating with several key riders and technical partners.
“The team has had a good success on the Continental circuit. It’s time for us to step up to the higher League”
said the Academy’s new Board of Directors member, Mr. Sylvan Adams.
The “Start-Up” team, which was launched at the end of 2014, recently concluded an extremely successful spring campaign, with two stage wins at the Tour de Beauce (Canada), two Stages and the GC at the Tour of Hungary and seven National championship titles.
“I believe that the team’s recent success and the ongoing changes in the Pro Cycling world, will turn out to be favorable for us”
said Team Cycling Academy founder and owner, Mr. Ron Baron.
Baron, a businessman and himself and a cycling enthusiast, pointed out the diversity of the team – distinct from other pro-cycling teams in the world with this innovative approach, as its trademark.
“Our multi-national character is quite distinct from most other pro-cycling teams around the world. Just like Israel, the team is a melting-pot. As far as I know, we are also the only Non-Profit organization in the world of professional cycling.”
With an experienced roster of riders such as Dan Craven (Namibia), Guillaume Boivin (Canada), Chris Butler (USA) and upcoming young talent like Luis Lemus (Mexico) Daniel Turek (Czech Republic) and Mihkel Raim (Estonia), the team was able to build one of the most solid Continental teams in the world of pro cycling.
As a born-and-raised Israeli team, one of the Academy’s key goals is to support the development of Israeli riders, who represent the majority of riders on the team.
“I’m grateful that we have the trust and support of so many friends who have recently shown their faith in our project.”
said team manager and former pro rider, Ran Margaliot.
“The support of people like Sylvan Adams, makes all the difference for us. This generous support will allow us to make history and become a Pro-Continental team in 2017”.
The team is reportedly in ongoing negotiations with several key riders and technical sponsors for 2017 and beyond.
