Israeli Cyclist Itamar Einhorn Joins Elite Japanese Team
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Israeli cyclist Itamar Einhorn has joined the elite Japanese team Solution Tech-NIPPO-Rali on a two-year contract, his first move to a foreign team. Einhorn, who spent ten years with Israel Cycling Academy, will have a key role in the team's sprint efforts. He called the move a "huge achievement" and a significant career challenge. His transfer is seen as a major success for Israeli cycling, following his historic win over Peter Sagan in 2021.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Itamar Einhorn signed a two-year deal with Japan's Solution Tech-NIPPO-Rali team.
- Einhorn is the first Israeli cyclist to join an elite foreign team.
- He achieved a historic win against Peter Sagan in the 2021 Tour of Slovakia.
- Einhorn spent ten years with the Israel Cycling Academy.
- He aims to compete in the Giro d'Italia and reach the Olympics.
Israeli cyclist Itamar Einhorn has signed a two-year contract with the elite Japanese team Solution Tech-NIPPO-Rali, marking his first move to a completely foreign professional cycling team. Einhorn, who spent the last ten years with the Israel Cycling Academy, will play a central role in the team's sprint formation. He described the move as a "huge achievement" and a significant personal challenge, expressing confidence in his ability to succeed despite the pressure.
Einhorn's career with Israel Cycling Academy included a historic victory in the fourth stage of the Tour of Slovakia in September 2021, where he defeated former world champion Peter Sagan on his home turf. This win significantly boosted his international profile as a sprinter capable of competing with the world's best.
Reflecting on his decade with the academy, Einhorn acknowledged the support from co-founders like Sylvan Adams and Roni Bar-On, stating he achieved more than he ever dreamed. While he was open to staying, the opportunity to join a top foreign team arose, which his agent, who is also his girlfriend, helped secure. He views this move as a triumph for Israeli cycling as a whole.
Roni Bar-On, a co-founder of Israel Cycling Academy, praised Einhorn as a trailblazer who broke barriers for Israeli cyclists and a "great winner." He noted Einhorn's magnetic personality and loyalty over ten years, wishing him success and stating the academy's door remains open.
Nadav Reisberg, an Israeli teammate, called Einhorn's transfer a major accomplishment, highlighting his pioneering role as the first Israeli to win a major race stage and now the first to join a foreign team targeting Grand Tours. Sylvan Adams also thanked Einhorn for his contributions over the past decade, noting his more than ten professional victories and his role in paving the way for Israeli riders internationally.
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