The Trio is back

ISRAEL CYCLING ACADEMY BRINGS BACK ITS VETERAN TRIO

Team renews Guillaume Boivin, Zak Dempster, and Dennis van Winden

Tel Aviv. Oct 27th. Israel Cycling Academy is delighted to announce that veteran riders Guillaume Boivin, Zak Dempster, and Dennis van Winden have renewed their contracts for the 2018 Grand tour Season.

Between the three of them, they pack an impressive 30 years of experience riding for teams around the world. Their unique knowledge and insight allow them to both mentor their younger teammates as well as to follow their well-honed instincts in the peloton in tense race moments. The team pro management expect them to up their game as the team aims to race un a Grand Tour for the first time next season. 

Sports director Kjell Carlström imagined several different scenarios for the three riders. “Their roles will be to help out some of the fast men in the team to arrive at the sprint in perfect condition. In races where we haven’t got a sprinter, they can also help out our climber or GC hope. On some occasions, they can also take their chances by going into the break or even sprinting from a reduced peloton.” 

Boivin, who already has been with the squad for two years, is eager to improve upon his impressive results with the team. “I’m looking forward to showing the world what I’m capable of on the biggest scene. Whether it is to help a teammate win or get a chance [myself] at some point, I want to fly the ICA flag to the top.” 

With a stage win at the recent Tour of Taihu Lake and an overall podium finish, the 28-year-old Canadian finished the 2017 season on a high note. “The last two months of the season as a whole have been very good for me. I’ve gained confidence in myself and hope to carry it into the 2018 season.”

Speaking about his 2^nd place finish in September’s Coppa Bernochi and his impressive performance in the World championship, he said:  “It doesn’t get much bigger and faster than this and I was painfully close! This gives me great confidence but more than anything great motivation to make sure next time I’ll be there with the big boys.”

He also recognises that Nineteen top 10 results this season were not his alone. “Special thanks to the staff members behind the scene and our team owners who make this dream possible!”

Zak Dempster is the kind of rider who can not only work for his teammates but also grab an opportunity when it arises. With a 7^th place finish in this summer’s Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic, Dempster knows what he must do next season. “For me, I need to take another step in the harder races. There are fast guys on the team next year and I see myself as an important part of preparing the sprint for them.” In addition to riding in

support of his teammates, the Australian wants to fulfil his personal potential. “I’d like to broaden the finals I can be involved in. I’ve got a fair few seasons behind me now so I think when the races are longer and a bit harder, I’ve got the base to be there and be competitive.”

Carlström was pleased with the Australian’s diverse abilities. “Zak has a lot of experience for a lot of different races and can do very good work for a leader or sprinter in the races. He can also seize the moment and take his own chance when it presents itself like he did in London.” 

Dutchman Dennis van Winden was full of energy when he talked about renewing with Israel Cycling Academy. “I am excited to create dreams with this family and, as you know, we dream big! So let’s make a big year in 2018!” Indeed, 2018 will be a big year with the Giro d’Italia starting in Israel Cycling Academy’s hometown of Jerusalem. Carlström said of van Winden, “Dennis is capable of doing a very good job for any leader in the team. His experience and his motivating attitude is good to have in any race.” 

Israel Cycling Academy was founded in December 2014 in Jerusalem as Israel’s first professional cycling team with a clear vision to help Israeli cycling and to bring young cyclists, especially Israelis, to the top levels of the sport. The 2017 season was the team’s first in the Pro Continental ranks.