Nat Bromhead
Veteran German sprinter Andre Greipel has signed with Israel Cycling Academy, the Pro Continental team that will go top tier WorldTour for 2020.
Greipel announced he had terminated his contract with Arkéa-Samsic in early October, saying he would consider his future during a family holiday.
“I am looking forward for the challenge to perform on my highest level again together with team Israel Cycling Academy,” Greipel said.
“(This is) a project for the future with lots of motivated and talented riders. I followed the team and saw its fast evolution in the last few years, and I wanted to be part of that, especially with the chance to go back and race in the WorldTour.”
Israel Cycling Academy have signed a number of other big name riders for 2020 including Dan Martin and Aussie expat Rory Sutherland.
ICA sports director Kjell Carlström said Greipel’s vast list of palmarès and experience will be a huge boost for the team.
“We are convinced that he can continue to win with us in 2020,” he said. “But most importantly, the vast experience he brings to the team in both classics and sprinters races is going to be hugely appreciated both for the other riders as well as management.”
The announcment, plus ICA’s move to WorldTour level, indicates Andre Greipel is likely to attend the 2020 Tour Down Under, an event at which he holds the record for most stage wins.
