Israel – Premier Tech will be looking to continue its early season success across the three days of racing at Classic Var and Tour des Alpes – Maritimes this weekend.

With a strong lineup including the likes of Mike Woods, Jakob Fuglsang, and Ethan Vernon, the team has multiple cards to play says Sports Director Steve Bauer.

“Classic Var and Tour des Alpes – Maritimes take on a slightly different format this year with a one-day race and a two-day stage race but we are familiar with the parcours and have put together a strong team that can do well across the three days of racing,” says Bauer. “With the exception of Guillaume Boivin, Mason Hollyman, and Nadav Raisberg, all of the guys will be racing for the first time so there is always going to be a bit of a question mark around their race form. But, we have invested heavily in productive training camps over the winter and the guys are coming in with a great base to start their seasons here.

“For the hillier stages, Mike Woods and Jakob Fuglsang will be our main leaders and if Saturday’s stage ends in a bunch sprint then Ethan Vernon will have his first chance of success with IPT. Tour des Alpes – Maritimes will be a tight race which could come down to a margin of seconds for the GC.”

Having returned from altitude camp, Woods is eager to get his season started and is drawing inspiration from his teammates’ success in Australia and France.

“Looking at the races in France this week, Friday’s course suits me the best for sure,” explains Woods. “It’s my first race of the year so you are never sure how you will go with it being the first race but I feel great after a really good altitude camp and I’m excited to get out there after not racing since il Lombardia.

“Obviously, there are a few pre-race jitters but I think this is a really good way to start the season. We have a strong team in both races with guys like Jakob and Dylan. Seeing how well the guys did at the Tour Down Under has really inspired me and motivated me, especially knowing that I have some great teammates around me. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Vernon will make his IPT debut at Tour des Alpes – Maritimes and has his sights set on stage 1, which finishes with a circuit in Antibes.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started with the team,” adds Vernon. “After starting the year on the track and then a training camp in Calpe, I’m coming into the races in good shape so it will be nice to finally be back at the start line on Saturday. Hopefully it will be a sprint on stage 1 and I can test myself there.”

IPT at Classic Var

Riders: Guillaume Boivin (CAN), Jakob Fuglsang (DEN), Mason Hollyman (GBR), Krists Neilands (LAT), Nadav Rasiberg (ISR), Dylan Teuns (BEL), Mike Woods (CAN)

IPT at Tour des Alpes – Maritimes

Riders: Guillaume Boivin (CAN), Jakob Fuglsang (DEN), Hugo Houle (CAN), Krists Neilands (LAT), Dylan Teuns (BEL), Ethan Vernon (GBR), Mike Woods (CAN)

Sports Directors: Steve Bauer, Dror Pekatch