They say age is just a number and Domenico Pozzovivo is out to prove that to be true in 2023, joining Israel – Premier Tech in a last-minute deal to become the team’s 30th rider.

The 40-year-old Italian is the epitome of motivation and determination having trained throughout the off season in the hope of finding a team and now, having signed with IPT, is set to make his debut at Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali.

I am pleased to welcome Domenico to our team. Despite his advanced age, he has proven that he has a lot left in the tank. He will strengthen our team in the Giro and the Italian classics. We are excited for Domenico’s 2023 campaign! Welcome to IPT,” says IPT owner Sylvan Adams.

IPT General Manager Kjell Carlström emphasized Pozzovivo’s strengths in fighting for the General Classification at stage races as a key factor in his signing.

Looking ahead to our Grand Tour and stage race ambitions this year, we believe Domenico Pozzovivo can strengthen our GC prospects, particularly at the Giro d’Italia. He is a proven fighter and a rider who can achieve solid GC results whilst racing independently. He is the ultimate professional and it is a pleasure to have him join IPT and hit the ground running on home soil at Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali,” adds Carlström.

The 2023 season marks Pozzovivo’s 19th season as a pro rider, during which time he has won stages at the Giro d’Italia, Tour de Suisse, and Volta Ciclista a Catalunya and as recently as 2022, finished eighth overall at the Giro d’Italia.

It is a great achievement to join a team that is happy to repay these hard and difficult months of training without a team but at the same time, it is a starting point to build up to a very good season. Starting a little bit later than usual but with the same motivation,” explains Pozzovivo.

With 16 Giro d’Italia participations to his name, Pozzovivo is set to line up again at La Corsa Rosa but it isn’t his only goal this season.

For sure, the Giro d’Italia is one of the main goals of the season and for me, to be in top-ten is the goal. I think it is a very important result, also considering my age, and also what has happened in my career in terms of accidents and recovering. But, the Giro is not the only goal for the season. I think I can be present in the GC in some of the important one-week races during the season and also, be in good condition for the last classics in Italy, especially Il Lombardia which is a race that suits me a lot.

I want to thank the IPT management for believing in me, and especially Valentino Sciotti from Fantini who pushed me to joined the team and convinced the management of my qualities.”