Israel – Premier Tech will welcome Alexey Lutsenko to its ranks for the 2025 and 2026 season with the Kazakh rider set to bolster the team’s Classics and stage race squads.
Lutsenko, 31, brings a wealth of experience to the team from his 12-year career, during which time he has scored 43 wins including stage wins at the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, and General Classification wins at the Tour of Oman, Arctic Race of Norway, the Tour of Turkey, and this year’s inaugural Giro d’Abruzzo.
For IPT General Manager Kjell Carlström, Lutsenko is the perfect fit for the team both on and off the bike.
“The 2024 season has arguably been one of our best to date which is the result of our recruitment strategy in the last few years and our ability to identify riders who will help the team to grow,” says Carlström.“We believe the signing of Alexey Lutsenko is another step in the right direction with Alexey’s talent and experience set to strengthen the team. Alexey is a proven winner, you only need to look at his palmarès to see that, but beyond that he is also an excellent teammate and someone who will fit with the culture of the team. He has already had a long career, but he is still only 31-years-old and he has a lot left to give. We can’t wait to see Alexey in IPT colors next year.”
Lutsenko is ready for the new challenge presented by changing teams for the first time in his career.
“After 12 great years with Astana, I am looking for the motivation I need to achieve new goals,” explains Lutensko. “Sometimes you need to leave your comfort zone to achieve something new. I have nothing but good things to say about my time with Astana Qazaqstan Team, I achieved a lot and I’m grateful for this team, but I feel I have the potential to do more in a new environment. I have many friends in the staff and riders at Israel – Premier Tech and I have seen how quickly the team has developed in a short time. I think in the future, it will only become stronger and speaking with the team management, I see their interest in the growth of the team, including me, and how I can contribute to this.”
The three-time Kazakh road race champion has won stages in almost all the major WorldTour one-week races, including Tour de Suisse, Tirreno – Adriatico, and the Criterium du Dauphiné, whilst he achieved a career-best 8th place at Liège-Bastogne-Liège this year.
“My main goals, first and foremost, are the Classics, where I know that I can be competitive,” says Lutsenko. “I also see my potential in week-long stage races where I can be up there on the General Classification and be a rider that the team can trust to go for a victory or help the team.”
Lutsenko is IPT’s first new addition for the 2025 season.
“I’m delighted to welcome Alexey Lutsenko to Israel – Premier Tech,” adds IPT owner Sylvan Adams. “Luts is a talented rider who is a proven stage winner and GC threat in both one-week races and Grand Tours. He also performs well in the Classics, bringing depth and versatility to our team. I’m excited to see him reach new levels of success with us, beginning next year.”
