Off the back of a successful run of form that includes seven wins since the start of July, Israel – Premier Tech will start its fifth Vuelta a España full of confidence and with a renewed sense of optimism.
As was the case in last year’s Vuelta, IPT will be targeting stage victories in the season’s final Grand Tour, which begins nearly 750 kilometers away from its homeland in Torino, Italy, on Saturday (August 23).
The eight riders tasked with replicating Mike Woods’ victory at Puerto de Ancares in last year’s race include Marco Frigo, who narrowly missed out on a stage win in the 2024 edition, Critérium du Dauphiné stage winner Jake Stewart, and recent Sibiu Cycling Tour winner Matthew Riccitello.
“I think the theme of the race will be to take and make opportunities,” says Sports Director Daryl Impey. “We’ve got an attacking team, with riders like Marco and Jake who can make the race exciting, and knowing that we don’t have a GC rider, we want to present ourselves on those days where we see that a stage win is possible.”
Also featuring in the team’s line-up are recent seven-time Vuelta finisher George Bennett, Czech climber Jan Hirt, and Israeli rider Nadav Raisberg. British sprinter Ethan Vernon is set to make his debut in the Spanish race, and former Canadian TT champion Pier-André Côte will start the first Grand Tour of his career.
Impey adds: “I think we’ve got a well-balanced team. With Matthew, George, and Jan, we’ve got guys for the high mountains. The sprint days are also super important for us, as we have Ethan to lead us, backed by his trusted lead-out man Jake, and Nadav and Pier-André can also play a role there.”
Frigo will start the Vuelta on home soil
After coming close to a stage victory in Yunquera on stage 6 in last year’s race, Frigo was already enamoured with the Vuelta. His love for the race will grow even more in 2025, in part because of the start in his native Italy.
“Grand Tours are the races I like to do the most, and I really enjoy the atmosphere, the adventure, and even the fatigue over the three weeks that the Vuelta creates,” says the 25-year-old from Bassano del Grappa.
“To start this year’s race in Italy is something really special. When I saw the Grand Départ being unveiled in Italy, and knowing the passion of the fans in my country, I knew immediately I wanted to be there. My family and friends will be coming to the first stages, so that will make it even more special for me.”
Frigo enters the Vuelta having finished seventh in the Tour of Poland earlier in August, his best WorldTour GC result to date.
He adds: “The legs were really good in Poland and my preparation has gone really well. It’s always a hard parcours at the Vuelta, but there are a lot of opportunities for hunting stages. I think it is suitable for us to approach nearly every stage with different scenarios.
“There will be some hard climbs, some tricky descents, and, of course, the weather can have an impact. We have to be ready for everything.”
Vernon – seen here winning stage 2 of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya in March – has recored 10 top-10 finishes in sprints this year
Vernon has already enjoyed success in Spain this season – he won stage 2 of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya in March – and is looking at Saturday’s opening stage into Novara as another great opportunity.
He says: “I’m super excited to be starting my first Vuelta. It’s going to be a tough edition for sprinters, but four stages have caught my eye.
“The race starts with a potential sprint and jerseys up for grabs, so I’m motivated to start strong. To have Jake with me for the sprints will be great, too. The build-up has all gone well with a good altitude camp into the Tour of Poland, followed by some recovery. I’m super excited to see what I can achieve at a Grand Tour.”
Raisberg, the 24-year-old from Kibbutz Dafna in northern Israel, will start his second Vuelta in Torino on Saturday and the third Grand Tour of his young professional career.
Raisberg showed encouraging form at recent the Tour of Poland
“It’s a huge honor to represent Israel in one of cycling’s biggest races, and I’m determined to make it count,” he says. “I’m coming into my second Grand Tour far better prepared than last year, after a strong altitude camp in Livigno and the Tour of Poland, where I sharpened my form.
“We have a powerful squad aiming for stage wins, and my main role will be to help leaders and our sprinters achieve that. I also hope to get my own chance later in the race, most likely from a breakaway.”
IPT at the Vuelta a España (Saturday August 23 – Sunday September 14)
Riders: George Bennett (NZL), Pier-André Côté (CAN), Marco Frigo (ITA), Jan Hirt (CZE), Nadav Raisberg (ISR), Matthew Riccitello (USA), Jake Stewart (GBR), Ethan Vernon (GBR)
Sports Directors: Daryl Impey (RSA), Oscar Guerrero (ESP), Rene Mandri (EST)