Israel – Premier Tech is pleased to announce contract extensions for four key riders: George Bennett and Guillaume Boivin renew for 2026, Hugo Hofstetter has inked a two-year extension, and Nick Schultz has signed a three-year deal through to 2028.
These signings reinforce IPT’s diverse ambitions as the team eyes a return to the UCI WorldTour in 2026, bolstering the team’s depth for stage races and one-day classics while adding leadership experience.
The quartet brings a diverse skillset and experience to the team, explains General Manager Kjell Carlström.
“Every team needs a core group of riders for all race terrains and these four all play an important role in the team,” says Carlström. “Guillaume Boivin is one of the originals, having joined us early on in 2016, and has signed on for his 11th year with the team which is an impressive feat. He is an important member of our sprint train, playing a vital role in positioning and protecting our sprinters so he is an asset to the team, and someone who has also proven himself in the classics.”
Boivin says: “I’m very happy and grateful to be staying with the team for another year. Next year will be 11th year with the team and even though I’ve been doing this for a while now, I’m very excited about the challenges ahead. Next year will also be a big year with the UCI Road World Championships in my hometown of Montreal. It would be a dream to be there competing next September.”
Bennett has played a part in a number of IPT’s recent successes, including Stevie Williams’ victories at the Tour Down Under and Flèche Wallonne in 2024, and Matthew Riccitello claiming the white jersey in this year’s Vuelta a España.
Carlström says: “George Bennett brings an equal amount of experience as a strong climber and road captain, which is essential when it comes to our stage race and Grand Tour objectives. When George joined us two years ago, he immediately settled into the team dynamic and has been instrumental in some of our stage race success, so we are thrilled to renew his contract for another year.”
Bennett adds: “I’m really happy to be continuing with the team. It’s a very special environment and a great group of people to be involved with. They have shown me a lot of support on and off the bike in what’s been a tough year and we have a lot of ambition to continue to evolve into one of the best teams in the world, so I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Having rejoined IPT in 2024, after a two-year hiatus, 31-year-old Hofstetter is at home on the roads of the French and Belgian classics.
“When I think of Hugo Hofstetter, versatility is the word that comes to mind,” adds Carlström. “Not only is Hugo a fast sprinter, he is also a strong rider for the classics. His four top-10s, including two podiums, in the first week of the spring classics this year are an excellent example of Hugo’s potential to win races and score points.”
Hofstetter says: “It was a really good start to the season for me this year and the team gave put a lot of trust in me as a protected rider. I’m really appreciative of this and, of course, I’m really happy to re-sign with them. After some good results, for example in Kuurne – Brussels – Kuurne and Gent – Wevelgem, I wanted to stay and we quickly agreed to an extension.
“After four years in the team, I feel very at home here but I still have some big goals to come, including the French Championships in two years which will be in my hometown so this is probably going to be one of the most important races of my career.”
While Schultz was a last-minute addition to the team in 2023, the 31-year-old Australian quickly gained the trust of his teammates and team management which has led to a three-year extension through to 2028.
“Nick Schultz is one of most versatile all-rounders, adding depth to just about any race roster no matter the race,” explains Carlström. “He is an important rider both on and off the bike, adding a great deal to our team culture. As a selfless teammate, we were all thrilled to see Nick win the opening stage of Volta Catalunya last year – a well-deserved win after countless hours riding in support of the team. We are excited to see what he can do in the next three years.”
Schultz adds: “I’ve been with the team now for three seasons and throughout those years I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. I’ve been a part of many successful races with the team, but it’s not the results, it’s the people that make it so special for me. From the staff to the riders, I think we’re incredibly lucky to be in the environment we are in.
“Being able to extend this journey for another three years means a great deal to me and I’m grateful to the team for having the confidence in me to offer that opportunity, especially during what was a difficult first half of the year plagued by injury. Going forward, I hope to continue my role as a key domestique for our big leaders and be as reliable as possible every time I put a number on. I know that with our amazing performance staff I’ll be given a platform to always keep improving and if I can do that, each year will be a success.”