ICA’s new boss: “We aim to become the world’s top Under-23 team!”
Israel Cycling Academy just completed its most extensive pre-season training came to date. The 10-day camp was filled with high energy, long hours on the bike, as well as the high-level support needed to adjust to new bikes and equipment. The riders spent their days being measured and fitted, participating in one-on-one sessions with the pro staff, and much, much more!
It’s no wonder that the team’s new boss, Gordon Fraser, came out of his first intense encounter with the 16 riders that represent the future of the organization, full of optimism. With 26 years of experience at the pro level (12 as a rider and 10 as a sports director), he will lead the team (together with our legendary ex-rider from Spain Ruben Plaza) in its more ambitious season yet.
You had a chance to watch the boys closely, for hours and hours, both on and off the bike. What did you learn?
GF: “My impressions are that the team is well beyond the fitness that I expected. Despite a few riders suffering illness and injuries during the winter months, everyone is in good shape and motivated to start the 2022 season.
Training camps have many impacts. From working hard and improving the power and condition of the athletes to bonding off the bike and becoming a family/team. I saw great cohesion between all members.”
What are the strengths of the team?
GF: “We have a very well-rounded team. Gifted climbers who will soar on the climbs to explosive sprinters for the flat races. We complement that with rouleur-type power riders to support both elements and can play for the win in all race situations.”
What are the goals you set for the team?
GF: “We have two very lofty goals: The first is to get back to regularly graduating an Israeli rider up into the WT ranks. The second is to establish the Israeli Cycling Academy as the top U23 team in the world. We are going to push hard to obtain both goals in 2022.
A successful season can be defined in multiple ways but reaching our two objectives will certainly cement it.”
The 2022 ICA roster:
Yuval Ben Moshe (23) Israel 🇮🇱
Edo Goldstein ( 22 ) Israel 🇮🇱
Lahav Davidzon (22) Israel 🇮🇱
Aviv Peretz (18) Israel 🇮🇱
Nadav Raisberg (21) Israel 🇮🇱
Oded Kogut ( 21) Israel 🇮🇱
Rotem Tene (21) Israel 🇮🇱
Roi Weinberg ( 22) Israel 🇮🇱
Riley Pickrell (21) Canada 🇨🇦
Derek Gee (25) Canada 🇨🇦
Mason Hollyman ( 22) Great Britain 🇬🇧
Alastair Mckellar – (20) Australia 🇦🇺
Jakub Boueck (21) Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Simon Nagy (21) Slovakia 🇸🇰
Marco Frigo (22) Italy 🇮🇹
Antonio Puppio (23) Italy 🇮🇹
Cole Kessler (19) United States 🇺🇸
The 2022 Season Race Calendar Highlights:
Tour de Normandie (21-27 March)
Tour de Bretagne (25 April – 1 May)
Paris-Roubaix U23 (15 May)
Baby Giro (9 – 18 June)
Giro de Val d’Aosta (13-17 July)
