• Agreed on a two-year extension 
  • Dowsett: “Excited to play a supporting role in the ambitious new team built with Froome and others”

Tel Aviv: November 12, 2020

British Alex Dowsett, who recorded team Israel Start-Up Nation’s first-ever victory in a Grand Tour, will continue racing for the Israeli team for the next two seasons.

Both sides agreed on renewing their successful one-year relationship, which culminated in his enormously emotional solo victory in stage 8 of the Giro d’Italia.

Alex Dowsett: “Being on the road with the team is great fun. I’m often referred to as a time trial specialist, and it’ll forever be a discipline I love, but I feel I’m of far more value to a team for my strengths as a lead-out man. The team we had for UAE, Tirreno, and the Giro was so cohesive and such a joy to be a part of. This is what I’m most excited about for the upcoming two years.”

“Alex has been a great asset for the team,” said Team Manager Kjell Carlstrom. “As a TT specialist, he brings a lot of value, but we see him as a crucial part of our sprints lead-out “train”, a role he has already taken on himself this season in the Giro and in other races.”

The team’s co-owner Sylvan Adams has expressed his satisfaction seeing Dowsett continue, emphasizing his leadership role: “Alex made history by winning ISN’s first Grand Tour stage. But just as importantly, he’s a great teammate, with leadership qualities that motivate and guide his fellow riders. He is truly appreciated by his teammates and the management of our team.”

 

Alex Dowsett Full Statement:

I’m thrilled to be continuing my professional cycling career with Israel Start-Up Nation for another two years. It’s been a tough year for so many, not just within cycling, but globally with the pandemic.  Despite this, it has been remarkable to see and play a part in ISN, not letting it impede their ambitions and progress of stepping up to WorldTour status and being highly competitive.

For me this year, a highlight is unsurprisingly Stage 8 of the Giro d’Italia, something I couldn’t have done without the team, their sponsors, the directors, and my teammates.  It was only a matter of time before one of ISN’s roster secured the team’s first-ever WorldTour and Grand Tour win, and I’m honored I was able to be the team member that delivered that to the line. 

Being on the road with the team is great fun. I’m often referred to as a time trial specialist, and it’ll forever be a discipline I love, but I feel I’m of far more value to a team for my strengths as a lead-out man. The team we had for UAE, Tirreno, and the Giro was so cohesive and such a joy to be a part of. This is what I’m most excited about for the upcoming two years.

From the outside, it’s clear ISN is one of the most exciting up-and-coming teams. With the strength of the signings for next year, including Bevin, Vanmarcke, Woods, De Marchi, and of course, Chris Froome, it will be quite something to be part of a team with ambitions to match the signings. I’ll be playing a loyal supporting role to these guys and the sprinters throughout the year. When your teammate wins, you feel like it’s a win for everyone.

For my own personal ambitions – I want to make history for the whole hemophilia community by being selected tor, competing in and medaling in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. I will be soon be taking on the Hour record, something I have wanted to do since my successful attempt in 2015.

Sylvan Adams Full Statement:

I am pleased that Alex has renewed his contract with Israel Start-up Nation. Alex has many valuable qualities. He is a perfect time trialer, finishing 9th at this year’s world championships. Of course, Alex made history by winning ISN’s first Grand Tour stage. But as importantly, he’s a great teammate, with leadership qualities that motivate and guide his fellow riders. He is truly appreciated by his teammates and the management of our team.

Welcome back, Alex, looking forward to seeing you racing in our colors.