Alex Dowsett will ride alongside Chris Froome as he extends contact at Israel Start-Up Nation
The British star stays in the WorldTour for another two years
Alex Dowsett will ride in support of Chris Froome, as he has extended his contract with Israel Start-Up Nation.
The Brit was out of contract for 2021 in a tough year for riders trying to find jobs for next season, but after winning the team’s first ever Grand Tour stage at the Giro d’Italia, Dowsett will continue with the Israeli WorldTour team.
Having joined ISN when they took over his old team, Katusha-Alpecin, Dowsett will now spend another two years with the team, as Grand Tour star Chris Froome joins from Ineos Grenadiers.
Dowsett said: “Being on the road with the team is great fun. I’m often referred to as a time trial specialist, and it’ll forever be a discipline I love, but I feel I’m of far more value to a team for my strengths as a lead-out man. The team we had for UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatco, and the Giro was so cohesive and such a joy to be a part of. This is what I’m most excited about for the upcoming two years.”
Dowsett took a remarkable stage victory at this year’s Giro d’Italia, riding solo to win from the breakaway, the first success in a Grand Tour since Israel Start-Up Nation joined the WorldTour.
Team co-owner Sylvan Adams said: “Alex made history by winning ISN’s first Grand Tour stage. But just as importantly, he’s a great team-mate, with leadership qualities that motivate and guide his fellow riders. He is truly appreciated by his team-mates and the management of our team.”
Dowsett added: “For me this year, a highlight is unsurprisingly stage eight of the Giro d’Italia, something I couldn’t have done without the team, their sponsors, the directors, and my teammates. It was only a matter of time before one of ISN’s roster secured the team’s first-ever WorldTour and Grand Tour win, and I’m honoured I was able to be the team member that delivered that to the line.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The 32-year-old from Essex, who will became a father for the first time in the New Year, also has ambitious plans for the end of 2020.
This week Dowsett announced he will try to reclaim his Hour Record from Victor Camepenaerts.
Having held the record briefly in 2015 before losing it to Bradley Wiggins, Dowsett will try once again at the Manchester Velodrome on December 12.
On his team-mates, Dowsett said: “From the outside, it’s clear ISN is one of the most exciting up-and-coming teams. With the strength of the signings for next year, including Bevin, Vanmarcke, Woods, De Marchi, and of course, Chris Froome, it will be quite something to be part of a team with ambitions to match the signings.
“I’ll be playing a loyal supporting role to these guys and the sprinters throughout the year. When your teammate wins, you feel like it’s a win for everyone.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
Bring Bob Marley along for your next ride with State Bicycle’s 4/20 collaboration
State Bicycle Co. announced today a Bob Marley collaboration that features Marley-themed bikes, frame bags, top caps and apparel.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Undercover Mechanic: Contrary to popular belief, the bike industry is not collapsing - but disinformation is rife
The overstocking amid the Covid spike is problematic, but some businesses are thriving, argues our insider
By Undercover Mechanic Published
-
Israel-Premier Tech to tackle Paris-Roubaix on gravel bikes
Team will ride the Factor Ostro Gravel in Sunday’s cobbled Monument
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Introducing the British rider with a 100% GC record in 2024
Victories at the Tour du Rwanda and Tour de Taiwan cap a glittering start to pro life for the 21-year-old
By Adam Becket Published
-
Israel-Premier Tech riders to be issued with blank training kit due to safety concerns after Israel-Hamas war
Riders issued with different kit for training alone if they deem it necessary
By Tom Thewlis Last updated
-
Chris Froome's boss rubbishes claims bike fit is behind lack of results
'He can talk about his bike position until the cows come home - that's still not going to earn him a position on a Grand Tour team' says Israel-Premier Tech team owner Sylvan Adams
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'It's not nice to lose in that way' - Tragic end for breakaway duo on stage six of the Giro d'Italia
Simon Clarke and Alessandro De Marchi had their dreams crushed with 200m to go in Napoli
By Adam Becket Published
-
Back to Africa: Chris Froome on going back to his roots, his future and cycling's new generation
He’s come full circle, but is there time for another loop? We talk to the four-time Tour champ about his and African cycling’s future
By Adam Becket Published
-
Where next for Mark Cavendish after B & B Hotels-KTM's collapse?
We look at where the ‘Manx Missile’ could find himself next after the collapse of B & B Hotels-KTM
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Chris Froome highlights dangers of long Covid after battle with virus
Four-time Tour de France champion warns of cardiovascular impact and says his VO2 max took a hit after illness
By Tom Thewlis Published