Four times Tour de France winner Chris Froome will join an Israeli cycling team from the start of this summer’s season as part of a long-term contract that will last the remainder of his career.

The British cycling star will leave his Ineos team for Israel Start-Up Nation (ISN) in what has been described by the team’s co-owner Sylvan Adams as “an historic moment” for Israeli sport.

Froome – who also took bronze  at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics for Team GB – said he was “really excited” to join ISN, commenting: “I look forward to challenging and being challenged by their talent and continuing to strive for the success that I've enjoyed up to now.”

He will spearhead ISN’s Grant Tour team, with hopes he can secure a fifth Tour de France wearing the blue and white of his new team.

ISN team manager, Kjell Carlstrom, said: “With his impressive achievements, Chris Froome is the perfect leader to mark our arrival as a serious contender for these races.

“Chris’s career has been extraordinary, and we believe he has both the mindset and physical talents to win more Grand Tours with us, while also acting as a mentor to our young talents, helping them succeed.”