From Cycling Academy team Facebook:
WE ARE MOVING UP TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND TURNING
PRO CONTINENTAL TEAM !
We released today the following press bulletin:
Tel Aviv July 11th 2016
Israel’s first Pro Cycling Team to turn Pro-Continental in 2017.
Following two seasons in the Continental rank, Israel’s only pro team: Cycling Academy Team, is planning to make the move to the Pro-Continental ranks in 2017.
Team aims to compete in the Tour of California and the Classics in 2017, eyeing a Gran-Tour debut in 2018.
Team is currently negotiating with several key riders and technical partners.
“The team has had a good success on the Continental circuit. It’s time for us to step up to the higher League” said the Academy’s new Board of Directors member, Mr. Sylvan Adams
The “Start-Up” team, which was launched at the end of 2014, recently concluded an extremely successful spring campaign, with 2 stage wins at the Tour de Beauce (Canada), 2 Stages and the GC at the Tour of Hungary and 7 National championship titles.
“I believe that the team’s recent success and the ongoing changes in the Pro Cycling world, will turn out to be favorable for us” said Team Cycling Academy founder and owner, Mr. Ron Baron.
Baron, a businessman and himself a cycling enthusiastic, pointed out the diversity of the team distinct from other pro-cycling teams in the world with this innovative approach, as its trademark.
“Our multi-national character is quite distinct from most other pro-cycling teams around the world. Just like Israel, the team is a melting-pot. As far as I know, we are also the only Non-Profit organization in the world of professional cycling.”
With an experienced roster of riders such as Dan Craven(Namibia), Guillaume Boivin(Canada), Chris Butlerr (USA) and upcoming young talent like Luis Enrique Lemus (Mexico) Daniel Turek (Czech Republic) and Mihkel Räim (Estonia), the team was able to build one of the most solid Continental teams in the world of pro cycling.
As a born and raised Israeli team, one of the Academy’s key goals is to support the development of Israeli riders, who represent the majority of team riders.
“I’m grateful that we have the trust and support of so many friends who have recently shown their faith in our project.” said team manager and former pro rider, Ran Margaliot. “The support of people like Sylvan Adams, makes all the difference for us. This generous support will allow us to make history and become a Pro-Continental team in 2017”.
The team is reported to be in ongoing negotiations with several key riders and technical sponsors for 2017 and beyond.
More details will be released in the upcoming days.