Adams the driving force behind next event

CYCLING BUILDING on the huge success of the Giro d’Italia opening stages in Israel earlier this year, a new five-stage race is planned for inclusion in the 2019 calendar.

Registered with the UCI — the international governing body for cycling the event is expected to be held in late April, just prior to the Italian Grand Tour.

Route plans are at an advanced stage and have been designed to show off the country, with stages in the north and south of Israel to include both flat and mountain areas, suiting a mix of sprinters and climbers.

Canadian-Israeli property tycoon Sylvan Adams, who backs the Israel Cycling Academy, and who was instrumental in getting the Giro’s Grande Partenza in Israel, is also behind the Tour of Israel event.

With little time to complete the arrangements, there is a determination to hold the Tour in the spring and Giro d’Italia organisers RCS Sport are expected to assist, having fought off competition from French rival, Tour de France organiser ASO. The UCI has welcomed the creation of the race despite the already congested calendar, which includes the Alpen Tour, Tour of Croatia and the various Ardennes Classics.

Two leading French World Tour Team riders have signed for the ProContinental Israel Cycling Academy in the team’s bid for an invitation for the Tour de France.

Adams has also financed the new international-standard Velodrome in Tel Aviv where future editions of the track World Cup could be held.