Circuit des Ardennes stage winner and Trofeo Piva runner up Marco Frigo is set to turn pro with Israel – Premier Tech in 2023, stepping up from the team’s development project Israel Cycling Academy.
Frigo joins on a two-year deal having impressed in his first season with ICA, which has already seen the 22-year-old race in IPT colors early in the season.
IPT General Manager Kjell Carlström says Frigo’s fast promotion to the WorldTeam is a testament to his talent and hard work.
“Marco Frigo is a rider who impressed us immediately. He is clearly a talent and his strong performances this year, with his win at Circuit des Ardennes and second place at Trofeo Piva, are confirmation of this. But it hasn’t just been at the U23 level, Marco has raced with IPT on four occasions this year so far and the feedback we had from the riders and staff told us that he is a hard-working and determined rider who is a perfect teammate. We are looking forward to seeing Marco grow as a rider over the next two years and we will certainly see some big results from him as he continues to mature,” says Carlström.
Frigo’s promotion to the WorldTeam signals a shift in approach for Israel – Premier Tech, with an increased focus on young talent alongside IPT’s experienced leaders, explains Sporting Manager Rik Verbrugghe.
“The goal of the Israel Cycling Academy is to identify riders who we can nurture at the U23 level until they are ready to graduate to the WorldTour level and Marco Frigo is a prime example of this. Marco has proven himself in both stage races and one-day races, he can climb well and he’s a great all-rounder. We are pleased to officially welcome Marco to IPT and in the coming weeks, we will be announcing more young talent who will step up alongside Marco,” adds Verbrugghe.
The Bassano del Grappa native stands tall at 1.88 meters and his cycling aspirations match his tall stature with the former U23 Italian road race champion setting his sights on a career as a General Classification rider.
“The opportunity the team has given me this year to do a mixed Israel Cycling Academy and Israel – Premier Tech program has helped me to step up to the WorldTour level. I am really excited and at the same time, I don’t feel like it is a crazy step up. It feels like a natural progression and I feel ready so I am very happy to have this opportunity,” explains Frigo.
“Over the next two years I want to continue to grow, never stopping really, and find my place in the team where I feel comfortable. I know the results will come whether that is on a personal level or helping my teammates to win, because we are a team and I am really looking forward to supporting my teammates over the next two years.
“In my heart, I feel that I am a Grand Tour rider. This is what I would like to become. I think I can be a good Grand Tour rider, whether that is one day going for the General Classification or being a key domestique. I think my body is built for this kind of racing, I like endurance racing and I recover well. So, I am excited to start the next chapter of my career.”
