Canadian Cyclist Riley Pickrell to Join Israel – Premier Tech as a Professional in 2024
Canadian cycling is once again making headlines as Derek Gee’s standout performance at the Giro d’Italia has put the spotlight on his fellow countryman Riley Pickrell. Pickrell is set to follow Gee’s footsteps by turning professional with Israel – Premier Tech in 2024. The 21-year-old sprinter has impressed team management during his time with Israel – Premier Tech Academy with his sprinting prowess and never-give-up attitude.
“I am excited to welcome Riley to IPT in 2024,” says IPT owner Sylvan Adams. “Riley has shown real promise and has earned his spot on our team. He is one of several great prospects in our system from Canada. Welcome, Riley, we are expecting great things from you next year.”
Pickrell’s two-year deal is part of the team’s focus on recruiting young talent, validated by the success of IPT’s young riders at the Giro d’Italia.
“Riley Pickrell is one of the top sprinters in the U23 ranks and a rider we believe has a big career ahead of him,” explains IPT General Manager Kjell Carlström. “His stage win in last year’s Giro d’Italia Giovani U23 was a sign of what is to come. Riley will be the fifth rider to step up from the Academy to the ProTeam since the inception of our development team in 2020, and our results at this year’s Giro d’Italia were a testament to the success of our development program.”
Pickrell feels ready to make the step up to the ProTeam after his growth as a rider during his time with IPT Academy, which included multiple races with the ProTeam.
“I’m super happy to be making the step up to the ProTeam in 2024,” says Pickrell. “Over the last three years, I have grown a lot within the development team, and I feel I am ready to make the step up. I’ve really enjoyed the last three years with the Academy; it has given me a fantastic opportunity to learn how to become a bike racer and develop into a rider who can be competitive at the pro level. I’m looking forward to continuing to develop over the next two years and taking any opportunity I can to perform to the best of my abilities.”
With the inspiration from his former Academy teammates’ success at the Giro d’Italia, Pickrell is eager to rise to the occasion in 2024.
“It has been amazing to see what my former Academy teammates have done at the Giro d’Italia this year. It has really motivated me to see what I can do next year and has shown me what is possible. Over the next two years, I hope to continue the expectation created by former Academy graduates and show the quality of riders this program is producing by hopefully getting results for the team and myself.”
