Israel – Premier Tech is excited to welcome Jake Stewart to the team in 2024 to take on a key role in the classics as well as forming part of the team’s sprint lead out train.
Stewart burst onto the pro cycling scene with second place at the 2021 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, showing his potential as a first year neo pro so when the opportunity to sign the 23-year-old British rider arose, IPT didn’t hesitate.
“Jake Stewart is a huge talent and a rider we have yet to see the best of. We have made a number of key signings for next year and beyond, but we were still on the lookout for a rider who could take on a leadership role in the classics and also play an important role in our sprint lead out. We believe we have found the perfect fit in Jake, and we can help him reach his potential in the IPT environment. Jake is already close with a number of our riders, current and future, so I think he will fit in well and we look forward to seeing what he can do with us,” says General Manager Kjell Carlström.
For Stewart, team culture and leadership opportunities were the key factors when making the decision to sign a two-year deal with IPT.
“I think the biggest thing for me when looking at changing teams was going into a team where I would be happy, where I can thrive, and where I can fit into the culture. Everyone I spoke to at Israel – Premier Tech and all the conversations I had before making the decision made it really clear to me that the IPT project and culture of the team would be a good fit, where I can thrive and hopefully fulfil my true potential. It’s a project I am really excited to get stuck into,” explains Stewart.
IPT owner Sylvan Adams echoes Stewart’s sentiments when welcoming him to the team.
“Jake is a strong rider who helps beef up our classics squad. Also, given our recent new signings of top sprinters, Jake will be a valuable addition to our lead out train. I’m really happy Jake has chosen to join us. I think he will fit in really nicely into our team culture,” Adams reiterates.
Stewart is relishing the chance to take on multiple roles in the team in both a leadership and support rider capacity.
“Being involved in the classics as well as in a sprint lead out train, rather than taking the sprints on as I have done previously, is an exciting opportunity. The classics are the kind of races that get me out of bed in the morning and motivate me to go training. So, to come into a team where I have some leadership in the classics is extremely motivating. The team is putting a lot of trust and confidence in me to excel in that role, so I hope to get a good run at the classics, coming in off a good block of training, and seeing everything falling into place. The last two classics seasons have been hampered by injury and illness and I haven’t had much of a clear run. It would be really nice to return to Omloop Het Nieuwsblad to get some redemption and go one step higher than I did in my first year pro.”
Not only will Stewart develop his skills in the lead out train, but he’s set to unite with good friend Ethan Vernon.
“Playing a key role in the sprint lead out train isn’t really something I have done much of, but I have really enjoyed it when I have and helping the boys to get a win has been just as good a feeling as it has been winning myself. I really want to cement myself in that role and excel. I have raced with Ethan Vernon since I was a junior and we’re good friends so coming into the team with him is super exciting. I’m really looking forward to a new opportunity and new adventure, new goals, a change of scenery, and working with new people with new ideas,” adds Stewart.
Stewart is the latest IPT signing for 2024 alongside Vernon, Pascal Ackermann, Michael Schwarzmann, George Bennett, Hugo Hofstetter, and Oded Kogut, Nadav Raisberg and Riley Pickrell, all of whom step up from the IPT Academy.
