April 10, 2018 (Tel Aviv) – Israel Cycling Academy has selected its young uprising talent Krists Neilands as the first confirmed rider for the historic Giro d’Italia, along with Ben Hermans and Rubén Plaza, and named three Israelis as candidates for the five undecided spots in the final lineup.

“The Israelis will be required to meet the same criteria as all the other riders selected,” says Team Manager Kjell Carlström. “They’ve already proved that they can help this team significantly.”

The decision to select the Latvian national champion is seen by the team’s hierarchy as both a sound decision and a symbolic one. “Krists is Academy DNA: a young rider who grabbed the opportunity with both hands and has developed remarkably,” explains General Manager Ran Margaliot. “He has come a long way since he joined us sixteen months ago. His selection to our Giro squad is therefore very natural, yet it is going to be his first Grand Tour so we won’t put any pressure on him. We will let him grow with the race and take it step by step based on his sensations in the second and third weeks.”

Carlström is impressed with Neilands’ recent progress. “He showed us especially in Milano Sanremo. He did a great race and was on the attack on the Poggio which was the winning move. Krists is a strong guy and he’s getting even stronger so he has a place in the Giro.”

“The Giro is one of the biggest races in the world and one of my dreams is to take part in a Grand Tour,” Neilands says. “Riding the Giro means a lot to me. I am super happy I can be a part of this team for Giro.”

Peloton veteran Rubén Plaza and climber Ben Hermans have also been confirmed to the eight man Giro roster.

There are now a dozen riders on the long list contending the five remaining spots. “We need to have a look at what our sprinters can do. They’ve had a rough start to the season,” Carlström admits.

With the Giro opening in Jerusalem, there is much speculation about which of the Israeli riders will earn a place. Roy Goldstein (24), Guy Niv (24), and Guy Sagiv (23) are the three Israelis vying for selection. Carlström says that any Israeli selected must “have the same spirit: we are a team, helping each other. We want to be on the attack. We start in Israel but we finish in Italy. On top of being able to help the team and being maybe in a breakaway, he has to be able to make it through the whole Giro with the team. I’m sure he can do it.”

The team will select the last five riders in late April after a two-week altitude camp in Sierra Nevada, Spain and racing Amstel Gold, the Tour of Croatia, and the Tour of the Alps.

“I prefer not to see myself contending for a spot against my Israeli teammates,” says Israeli climber Guy Niv, “but proving that I deserve it compared to the other riders in the team. I want to be picked because I am a good rider, not because I am Israeli. If we Israelis will be good enough, we can get two spots in the Giro lineup. Why not?”

“Selection for ICA’s Giro team is difficult due the talent and commitment of our riders,” says team co-owner Sylvan Adams. “The final cut will necessarily disappoint some riders who are working hard. From the riders announced so far, Ben and Rubén were signed largely in anticipation of this race, our first participation in a Grand Tour. As for Krists’ early selection, he earned his position through his excellent season start. For the remaining five rider selections, we will not necessarily be choosing the five best riders, but rather those that will complete our eight man Giro squad, and provide the best opportunity to achieve our goals in this historic Giro that begins on home soil next month.”

While Neilands is understandably nervous about his Grand Tour debut, he jokes that he has a solid preparation plan. “Potato power helps me all the time. Just have some potatoes before the race and go for it full gas!”

Israel Cycling Academy riders on the Giro long list:
– Edwin Avila (Colombia)
– Guillaume Boivin (Canada)
– Zak Dempster (Australia)
– Nathan Earle (Australia)
– Sondre Holst Enger (Norway)
– Roy Goldstein (Israel)
– August Jensen (Norway)
– Guy Niv (Israel)
– Guy Sagiv (Israel)
– Kristian Sbaragli (Italy)
– Daniel Turek (Czech Republic)
– Dennis van Winden (Netherlands)

Israel Cycling Academy riders confirmed for the Giro:
– Ben Hermans (Belgium)
– Krists Neilands (Latvia)
– Rubén Plaza (Spain)