Ran Margaliot believes the time is right for the Israel Cycling Academy to step up its level of competition.
Speaking at the launch of a four-year plan, team manager Margaliot reflected on a successful period and he is confident the Academy team can challenge for a Grant-Tour debut by 2018.
The Academy was originally set up as a development team for riders from cycling under-developed countries 12 months ago. The squad has set a new competitive target, aiming for a higher level of races and achievements.
Victories in some of the world’s biggest races, including stages of the Tour of Azerbaijan, Tour of Berlin, GP Poland and participation in the Tour of San-Luis, Tour of Croatia, US Pro Challenge and others, were achieved.
"We have had a significant and very successful year which exceeded our expectations” said Margaliot who is a former Saxo pro.
Our riders have shown that they are ready to compete at an even higher level of racing, which is where we are aiming at now. Our goal is therefore to grow the team towards a move to the senior ranks in the coming years."
More than 20 professional riders from around the world, from Tokyo and San Francisco, and from Europe and Africa, have been selected from some 600 applicants to join the team. They are gathered in Lake Garda, Italy to undergo examination for team selection.
Team founder and cycling enthusiast Ron Baron said: "I am grateful for all the amazing people who joined our journey and supported the team in the past year.
"My ambition is that this social project inspires and brings together young talent from Israel and from other countries.
"I thank World Champion Peter Sagan and his manager Giovanni Lombardi for their contribution to the team’s success from day one. This means a lot to us."