Israel – Premier Tech Aims to Capture Stage Wins at Tour de France
Israel – Premier Tech has revealed its eight-rider roster for the upcoming Tour de France, with a focus on securing stage victories. According to General Manager Kjell Carlström, the team aims to complete the Grand Tour trifecta after winning stages in the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España. He stated, “In this Tour, the main priority for us is to win a stage. With Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España stage wins to our name, we would like to complete the Grand Tour trifecta with a Tour de France win so it’s certainly our main focus to begin with.” He also mentioned the possibility of contending for a leader’s jersey but reiterated that securing stage wins is the team’s primary goal.
Leading the IPT team in the Tour will be Jakob Fuglsang, who expressed his excitement about starting the race in his home country of Denmark. Fuglsang said, “Starting the Tour de France in my home country will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I can’t wait to get started. I’m sure the Danish fans will make this year’s Grand Depart one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.” He also emphasized his readiness for the Tour, stating, “After my victory in Mercan’Tour and third place overall in Tour de Suisse last week, I feel ready to take on this Tour. I’ve been working hard to get to this point and I believe my shape is where it should be right now. The Tour is always unpredictable, but I’m here to leave my mark on the race and not just to be another pair of legs in the bunch.”
Michael Woods, fresh off a stage win and overall victory in Route d’Occitanie, is another key rider for the IPT lineup. Woods expressed his confidence for the race and his focus on staying safe in the demanding and technical first week. He stated, “My first goal is just not to crash in this opening week. I’ve come close to winning stages the last two times I’ve done the Tour, but I feel that I’ve always been hampered by injuries from crashes. This time around, the goal is just to stay safe and then have the legs ready to go in the final two weeks. There are quite a few stages there, which are suited to me, and I hope to take advantage of as many of them as possible.”
The IPT lineup for the Tour de France also features Chris Froome, who is looking forward to starting his 10th Tour de France with the team after an impressive season. Froome commented, “It’s awesome to be starting my 10th Tour de France with Israel – Premier Tech. I’ve worked exceptionally hard this year and I’m looking forward to giving it my all. We’ve got a great group of riders in the lineup and we can’t wait for the battle to begin in Copenhagen.”
The team’s lineup is completed by Daryl Impey, Simon Clarke, Hugo Houle, Krists Neilands, and Omer Goldstein. Goldstein, who will be participating in his second Tour de France, expressed his enthusiasm and determination to deliver a memorable performance for himself, his team, and his country. He said, “Racing the Tour is super stressful but at the same time also super exciting, as you get to perform on the biggest stage in the cycling world. I believe I have been preparing for this Tour in the best way possible. I have worked very hard and I want to deliver an unforgettable performance for myself, my team and for the country I represent.”
The Tour de France will begin on July 1 and Israel – Premier Tech’s lineup is composed of Jakob Fuglsang, Michael Woods, Chris Froome, Daryl Impey, Simon Clarke, Hugo Houle, Krists Neilands, and Omer Goldstein.
