December 3/24 11:46 am - Bauer & Cataford Take Larger Roles at Israel Premier Tech

Posted by Editoress on 12/3/24
 

Israel Premier Tech has announced that two Canadians will take on increasingly important roles with the team as it prepares for the 2025 season. Steve Bauer, who has been a Sport Director with the team for a number of years will move to Sporting Manager, while former team rider Alex Cataford will become a Sport Director.

Bauer will oversee the team's Sports Directors and race calendar, while the three new team members add experience and depth across the board says IPT General Manager Kjell Carlström.

Steve Bauer

"We are pleased to announce our new appointments ahead of the 2025 season," he says. "Of course, Alex Cataford is no stranger to IPT having raced for us for four years and now we are looking forward to seeing him make his Sports Director debut. On the other hand, Francesco Frassi joins us with ten years of experience as a DS for various Italian teams. Following the departure of Sep Vanmarcke, we wanted to prioritize the recruitment of young Sports Directors who can learn from their colleagues, and we think Alex and Francesco will be a great fit.

Alex Cataford

"After three years with IPT, Steve Bauer was the natural choice to step up to the Sporting Manager role having previously held the position at CCC Team. Steve's experience and skills will be important in shaping our Sporting and Performance departments, which continue to grow as we work our way back to the WorldTour. This growth includes the appointment of sports scientist Marc Quod in the newly created role of Performance Optimization Coordinator. Marc has spent his career working at the forefront of cycling performance and will take on an important role in optimizing our equipment to achieve performance gains."

Cataford, who has for the past two years worked with Karol Ann Canuel on the Tour de Gatineau, is excited to start the next chapter in his career as a Sports Director, in the familiar environment at IPT.

"I am happy to come back to IPT next season," Cataford explains. "The team has been on a constant upward trajectory, and when I was presented with the opportunity to join as a DS I did not hesitate for a second. Personally, I am looking forward to the new role and challenges that come with it. Instead of being on the bike with the guys, this time around I will be supporting them from the team car."