Israel-Premier Tech has finalized its team for the upcoming Vuelta a España. The team will field three general classification riders in Lisbon, while maintaining flexibility throughout the race. Additionally, the focus will be on hunting for stage victories.
Sporting director Oscar Guerriero elaborates on the roles within the eight-man team: "We are approaching the Vuelta a España almost as two races. In the first nine days, we will protect Mike Woods, George Bennett and Matthew Riccitello in the general classification and see where things stand, especially after the first mountain finish on stage 4 and then after stage 9.
"In addition, we also have multiple sprint opportunities for Corbin Strong in the first week so we will help him as much as possible to put him in the position to win because after the first rest day there are no more sprints. there are multiple sprint opportunities with Corbin Strong in the first nine stages, so we want to support him as best as possible to get into a winning position. After the first rest day, there are no more sprints, so by then, we will have a clearer picture of where we need to focus our objectives."
"We know that the last two weeks present many breakaway opportunities for all our riders, especially Dylan Teuns, Marco Frigo, Riley Sheehan and Nadav Raisberg, as well as our GC trio so we will have many cards to play in the second half of the race," the Portuguese says.
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Woods hopes to brighten season a bit during Vuelta
Several riders also shared their thoughts in the team’s press release. Woods, for instance, is eager to shake off the bad taste left by the Giro. "I’m really excited to be doing the Vuelta a España especially given all of the health issues I’ve had this season. Now, having had some nice performances in winning the Canadian national championships and riding well in San Sebastián and even being in the mix at one point in the Olympics, I have some confidence going into this race."
"That confidence has made me a lot more excited. I’m also really excited to be riding with the crew that we have, it’s a really strong team," said Woods. New Zealander Bennett agrees: "I’m looking forward to getting back to racing a grand tour. I don’t love the short steep finishes but there are a few stages with longer climbs I’m looking forward to. I don’t really know how the form will be after sitting out most of the summer but I’m optimistic that with the team we have going that we can really make an impact on the race. We have a nice mix of young and more experienced riders."
Lastly, Sheehan, last year’s winner of Paris-Tours, shared his excitement: "Having the opportunity to start the Vuelta a España as a first-year pro is hard to believe but I couldn’t be more excited for the challenge. The team that we’ll have is an awesome group and it will be a pleasure to race and learn with everyone. Personally, I have my eye on a few stages but, ultimately, I really want to get a grand tour in the legs and show my versatility as a rider."
Israel-Premier Tech selection Vuelta a Espana 2024
George Bennett
Marco Frigo
Nadav Raisberg
Matthew Riccitello
Riley Sheehan
Corbin Strong
Dylan Teuns
Mike Woods
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