December 1/20 9:10 am - Boivin Continues with Israel Start-Up Nation

Posted by Editoress on 12/1/20
 

Guillaume Boivin has re-signed with WorldTour team Israel Start-Up Nation (ISN), giving the team the most Canadian riders in a single squad, at four. Boivin has been with the team since 2016, when it was the Continental squad Cycling Academy - it became Israel Cycling Academy a year later. He has signed a two year extension through 2022.

Joining Boivin are new signing Mike Woods and continuing members James Piccoli and Alex Cataford. Woods is signed through 2023 and Piccoli and Cataford through 2022. The team is co-owned by Canadian-Israeli billionaire Sylvan Adams, with another Canadian, Paulo Saldanha, the Performance Director at the team.

The team joined the WorldTour this season after taking over the Katusha licence and has also signed big names Chris Froome and Andre Greipel for next season. The 32 rider roster is the largest on the WorldTour.

In the team release, Adams said, "Despite COVID-19, Israel Start-Up Nation had a good inaugural season in the WorldTour. We secured our first victories at this level - including Grand Tour stages. Our lineup for next year is significantly enhanced, yet it keeps the core group together. We plan to be extremely competitive in the biggest races, including Grand Tours, Monuments, and Classics. Our pre-season training camp will provide an opportunity to bring everyone together and bond as a unit. Exciting times ahead."

Boivin commented, "I've been part of the team almost from the beginning. I'm amazed at the giant steps we've taken every year and I'm very excited to be reunited with my good friend [fellow Canadian rider] Mike Woods. I hope I'll get to race with him and support him towards success.

"We have so many substantial additions to an already strong team for 2021. It looks like we will enter all our races with strong ambitions. Of course, Chris Froome brings the team to another level for the Grand Tours - with Dan Martin and Chris, we can expect some fireworks. I think my skill set will be valuable to do the dirty work for those guys. I imagine the Classics will be a big part of my season and with Sep Vanmarcke, we have got a true leader to go to war with. So many exciting things for next year, I'd better work hard in the offseason!"