Israel – Premier Tech’s Israeli sprinters Itamar Einhorn and Oded Kogut have etched their names in the Israeli cycling books by winning stage 1 of Czech Tour and stage 2 of Dookola Mazowsza today. Their victories mark the first time in history that two Israeli riders have won in separate UCI races on the same day and the duo have now claimed five wins in eight days between them.
Israeli Sports Director Dror Pekatch highlighted the significance of these wins for Israeli cycling.
“Today marks the first time in history that two Israelis win on the same day in two separate races. We know how talented they are and how great their potential is. And it comes with hard work. We also remember that there are bigger and more important races we aim for, and we’ll get there. I’m very proud of these kids and very proud today to be part of IPT’s organization and Academy. It’s a sign for every Israeli who wants to succeed in this sport,” explained Pekatch.
Israeli Road Race Champion Itamar Einhorn arrived at the Czech Tour with confidence having claimed two wins with the Israeli National Team this week in Poland. With only one sprint opportunity at the race, Itamar wasn’t going to let it go to waste.
After a battle to form a breakaway, two riders eventually got away but the peloton controlled the situation and ensured the gap remained under three minutes. With 95 kilometers still remaining, the peloton caught the leading duo and from there, the bunch remained altogether as they tackled the finishing circuits.
With a strong team to lead him out, Einhorn was positioned perfectly in the final kilometers before launching his sprint to win the first stage convincingly, and move into the race lead.
“It was a super stressful day. The first part was so intense with two climbs and really nervous. I recuperated a bit in the second part when sprinters’ teams took control. Rick Zabel took me up on his wheel in the last kilometer to the front where I sat in two other sprinters’ wheels. I knew that the last turn would be critical and tricky and if I could get out of there first, I would have a huge advantage. That’s exactly what happened. I went out of that turn and for 300 meters never looked back. It was a super long sprint but I won it and I’m so relieved. It’s my first win in the pro level in almost two years. It’s not a coincidence what has happened in the past week with me and Oded both winning. It’s a result of hard work and a learning curve. I am proud of what we have achieved. It’s so special,” said Einhorn.
Over in Poland, Israel – Premier Tech Academy rider and Israeli time trial champion Oded Kogut was on a high having won the first stage of Dookola Mazowsza yesterday and with his professional contract with IPT announced this morning, Kogut proved it was well deserved with another strong sprint to take the win on stage 2.
“We were all working hard to control the race, win and defend my yellow jersey. We really believe that we can win this race and what we did today is an indication that it’s within our reach,” added Kogut.
