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Israel Start-Up Nation competes in Digital Swiss 5
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ISN-riders race five days against 19 other teams
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“I hope everyone enjoys the new format”
Israel Start-Up Nation is ready to relaunch its racing season, digitally (of course) with the Digital Swiss 5. The 5-day-stage-race, organized by the Tour de Suisse and Velon will be held on the platform Rouvy, involves big WorldTour-teams and will be broadcasted live (also on our Facebook page).
Monday was test-day on the application and Alexis Renard was one of the lucky ones gaining some experience with Rouvy before the racing starts later this Tuesday. “It was actually more challenging than I expected. It is motivating to race against others, even though it is only virtually.” Renard will be competing in stage 1 (today) as well as in stage three on Friday.
Also James Piccoli is excited to participate in his first official virtual race. “I am very motivated and I hope we can put on a good show for Israel Start-Up Nation”, the Canadian, racing on Wednesday and Sunday, says, . “I am looking forward to trying the software and I hope the cycling fans will like this new format.”
The Swiss climber Matteo Badilatti will be racing in his ‘backyard’, but then virtually. “Monday, during the test ride, some memories of the roads I rode came up my mind. It is a nice feeling to remember the great panorama of the Tour de Suisse and I find that motivating. Being able to interact, even virtually, with the fans and inspire people is a good way to get through this surreal time. Innovation, open mindsets and creative thinking is what we need.”
Israel Start-Up Nation will start, just like in any other road race, with ambitions. Nicki Sörenson, the Director Sportive for this digital event, is competitive and expects the riders to be like him as well. “I hope we can show ourselves in this highly competitive peloton of riders. We are going to have a good go at this, for sure. The Digital Swiss 5 is a welcome event that keeps us motivated while we are all looking forward to returning to road racing as soon as we can in a responsible manner again.”
The Israel Start-Up Nation Line-Up:
Race 1, 22nd April, MATTEO BADILATTI + RETO HOLLENSTEIN + ALEXIS RENARD
Race 2, 23rd April, JAMES PICCOLI + RICK ZABEL + DAVIDE CIMOLAI
Race 3, 24th April, MATTEO BADILATTI + DAN MARTIN + ALEXIS RENARD
Race 4, 25th April, GUY NIV + ANDRE GREIPEL + ALEX CATAFORD
Race 5, 26th April, JAMES PICCOLI + ALEX CATAFORD + DAVIDE CIMOLAI
Digital DS: Nicki Sörensen.
How to watch the Digital Swiss 5 live?
Each race will be broadcast live each day on SRF/RTS/RSI at 17.00h, as well as on our FACEBOOK page with a LIVESTREAM. The final race on Sunday will be recorded and played out as live later the same day at 17:15.
