Nadav Reisberg wins the green jersey in prestigious Tour of the Alps race

Nadav Reisberg made history on Sunday by winning the green jersey at the prestigious Tour of the Alps, formerly known as the Critérium du Dauphiné. The 25-year-old rider from Kibbutz Dafna, who races for NSN, claimed the points classification award after a week-long fight to keep it. The race is one of the events from which teams select riders for the Tour de France.

Reisberg took control of the jersey last week with an excellent second stage, when he finished eighth. From there he defended it with three breakaways and four intermediate sprint wins that earned points. He strengthened his lead in the sprinters' standings with seventh place on stage five, then held on in stage eight to seal the overall points title after 1,200 kilometers and several punishing climbs in the Alps.

Mexican rider Isaac del Toro completed a turnaround by winning the final stage and taking the overall title. Reisberg, visibly exhausted at the finish, said, "I am living the dream. This is only the beginning. I am proud of my people, happy to see the name 'Israel' announced on the podium, and convinced that Israeli children will be inspired and achieve more and more." He added that he never doubted himself and kept thinking about Israel on the final climb, saying the jersey gave him strength and that this was not his peak.

NSN's Israeli sports director, Dror Pecket, called the achievement a double success, noting both the prestige of the jersey and Reisberg's three breakaway moves after long physical and mental battles. He said Reisberg does everything with a smile and without drama, and expressed hope that the result will become a turning point in his career.