IPT seeks to ‘make and take opportunities’ at La Vuelta a España

# Israel – Premier Tech Eyes Stage Victories at La Vuelta a España

Israel – Premier Tech (IPT) is gearing up for its fifth Vuelta a España, full of confidence after clinching seven victories since July. The season’s final Grand Tour kicks off in Torino, Italy, on Saturday, August 23, and IPT aims to secure stage wins, following last year’s success led by Mike Woods at Puerto de Ancares.

The team’s roster features eight riders, including **Marco Frigo**, who narrowly missed a stage win in the 2024 edition, **Jake Stewart**, the Critérium du Dauphiné stage victor, and **Matthew Riccitello**, the recent champion of the Sibiu Cycling Tour.

Sports Director **Daryl Impey** emphasized the team’s strategy, stating, “I think the theme of the race will be to take and make opportunities. We’ve got an attacking team, with riders like Marco and Jake who can make the race exciting… we want to present ourselves on those days where we see that a stage win is possible.”

Other notable riders include George Bennett, Jan Hirt, and Nadav Raisberg. British sprinter **Ethan Vernon** will make his Vuelta debut, while **Pier-André Côte** begins his first Grand Tour.

Impey added, “I think we’ve got a well-balanced team. With Matthew, George, and Jan, we’ve got guys for the high mountains… Ethan to lead us, backed by his trusted lead-out man Jake, and Nadav and Pier-André can also play a role there.”

Frigo is particularly excited about starting the race in his native Italy. “Grand Tours are the races I like to do the most… To start this year’s race in Italy is something really special… my family and friends will be coming to the first stages,” he shared.

Having recently achieved seventh place in the Tour of Poland, Frigo feels well-prepared, stating, “The legs were really good in Poland… There are a lot of opportunities for hunting stages.”

Vernon is eager for the opening stage, saying, “I’m super excited to be starting my first Vuelta… it’s going to be a tough edition for sprinters. I’m motivated to start strong.”

Raisberg is poised to make his mark, as he commented, “It’s a huge honor to represent Israel in one of cycling’s biggest races… I’m determined to make it count.”

As the team prepares to take on the challenging routes ahead, the focus remains clear—securing stage victories at La Vuelta a España.

**IPT at the Vuelta a España (August 23 – September 14)**
Riders: George Bennett (NZL), Pier-André Côté (CAN), Marco Frigo (ITA), Jan Hirt (CZE), Nadav Raisberg (ISR), Matthew Riccitello (USA), Jake Stewart (GBR), Ethan Vernon (GBR)
Sports Directors: Daryl Impey (RSA), Oscar Guerrero (ESP), Rene Mandri (EST)