Nils Politt and Travis McCabe are leaving the Israel Start-Up Nation team after the 2020 season. Both riders rode their last race for the team at the Three Days of Brugge-DePanne on Wednesday.

“We thank Nils and Travis for all their hard work for the team this year and appreciate what they have done,” said team manager Kjell Carlström. “We all wish both of them the best in their future endeavors.”

 

Nils, 26, is moving to his homeland team of Bora-Hansgrohe. A Classics specialist, he finished second in Paris-Roubaix last year and hoped to be back on the podium – the top step, of course – this year. But as in so many things, COVID-19 put an end to those plans.

He joined us this year after riding for Katusha since 2016. He put in a strong first part of the season, with fourth and sixth place finishes in Paris-Nice – another race affected by COVID.Since the re-start of the season, he has been busy with the Tour de France and other stage races, and finishing off the year with Gent-Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders and DePanne. We wished to see him racing with us in Paris Rou baix and challenging for the victory but it wasn’t to be. ( Blame Corona).

“It’s never easy to leave a team,” Nils said. “It was a difficult year, especially with the COVID pandemic, but it was also a new challenge with ISN. Unfortunately our ways are now parting.”

We shall miss you Nils, but wish you all the best with Bora!

Travis, 31, has decided to put an end to not only his European adventure but also his active career. After many years on the American domestic circuit, he moved up to the WorldTour with ISN, unforutnately in a COVID-dominated year.

Good luck, Travis , on your new journey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictures:

Noa Arnon, Mr. Pinko , Bettini Photo