Israel’s Academy team are gearing up for the Gran Premio della Costa Etruschion in Italy next month.

The 2016 roster of 12 riders, which included five national champions from Israel, USA, Canada, Namibia and Mexico, have been warming up for the first match of the year with rigorous training sessions at Kibbutz Samer.

The team took advantage of the great Arava Desert roads and climate to gain some valuable miles in their legs.

Team manager Ran Margoliot said: "As an Israeli team, competing all over the world under an Israeli flag, we believe it’s important that all of our riders are exposed to the Israeli scenery and to the famous Israeli hospitality at least once."