Israel – Premier Tech’s 2023 roster will be bolstered by the signing of Mason Hollyman, who is set to step up from Israel Cycling Academy on a two-year contract.
21-year-old Hollyman is considered one of the UK’s brightest new talents, and has flourished in his time with ICA, since joining the development team in 2021.
“Mason Hollyman is one of the most promising talents when it comes to the next generation of General Classification riders. Although he is only 21-years-old, he has proved that he has what it takes to make the step up to the WorldTour level. His victory last year at Volta a Portugal was a sign of what is to come, and this year, he has impressed with fourth in Trofea Piva and fifth in the U23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège,” says Kjell Carlström, IPT General Manager.
“Mason is the third ICA rider we have announced to step up next year and between these riders, we feel we have invested in three exceptional riders, all of whom bring a diverse skill set to the team.”
IPT Partner Sylvan Adams is thrilled to welcome Hollyman to the WorldTour team, alongside Canadian Derek Gee and Italian Marco Frigo.
“Our announcements over the last couple of weeks that three riders from our U23 Continental team ICA will make the leap to the WorldTour is a validation of our rider development program. With a mix of young talents and strong, savvy veterans, IPT is poised to continue our steady progress. Of course, I am particularly pleased for Derek Gee, whom I have known back in Canada since he raced as a junior, and who wasn’t really on anyone’s radar until he signed with ICA. Welcome to IPT, Derek, Mason, and Marco!,” adds Adams
Hollyman, who hails from Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, has relished the opportunity to learn from IPT’s most experienced riders, including Chris Froome, while getting stuck into racing this season.
“I went to Gran Canaria with Chris before the season started to get some good kilometers in, and it was super cool for me to be riding day in, day out with a childhood hero and to be learning from him. I remember running home from school to watch him winning on Mont Ventoux before I went on the evening chain gang. It’s a dream come true to be turning pro with Israel – Premier Tech! I really liked the environment from the start and I think that’s an important part to get the best out of us. It’s really nice I’ve had the opportunity to ride with the big boys and learn the craft from them. I’m excited to step up and see what I can do there,” says Hollyman.
As for his future ambitions, Hollyman wants to find his place on the road first and see where he is best suited.
“So far my season has been pretty good with a few top 5s at Trofeo Piva and U23 Liège- Bastogne – Liège. I want to use the next two years to see what I’m capable of. I guess you don’t really know the level until you’ve tried it, so I think it’s important just to have fun with what I’m doing and get the best out of myself. Riding a Grand Tour would be nice! Obviously climbs are where I see my best opportunity for results. I enjoy the one day Ardennes-style races and also the stage races, so I don’t think I’ll spread myself too thinly. I guess the next couple of years will tell me what I’m more suited to.”
