Israel’s first UCI Registered professional men’s team finished a credible 17th at the Tour de San Lois race.

The newly formed Cycling Academy Team produced a strong performance on the tough and sometimes brutal terrain in Argentina.

Lining up in a top quality field, featuring world champion Michal Kwiatkowski and Britain’s Mark Cavendish, the team of two Israelis, two Polish and one each Czech and Slovak performed admirably at the UCI Category 2:1 seven stage race.

A total of 161 riders from 30 countries assembled in the Villa Mercedes for the start of the Tour de San Lois event. A total of 948.2km were to be covered, with three mountain top finishes, a short Time Trial and two flat stages to suit the sprinters.

Daniel Turek and Yoav Bear produced strong displays on the shortest stage on Day Five. Both finished with the same time of 23:08. just 3.01 behind the winner in the individual time trial.

Emanuel Piaskowy (39) was the team’s highest place finisher, with Israelis Bear (100) and Ido Zilberstein (106) performing admirably.

Team Manager Ran Margaliot said: “Entering the team in such a high-quality field for their first international event was a long-shot, but all six riders completed the seven day race and have gained much from the experience.

"It was a tough event and they performed well. Their high ranking in the team competition in the early stages was particularly good."

Looking ahead, he said: "Local Israeli events, including the National Championship, will occupy the team for a while before travelling to Europe for the new season’s competition and championships. The ‘Tour of Britain’ stage race in September is also a possibility."

Written by Stan Rose