Pier-André Côté was promoted from the Israel-Premier Tech academy, becoming the sixth Canadian to join the professional cycling team.
The 27-year-old athlete from Gaspé will join the Israel-Premier Tech team in 2025, after signing a two-season contract. The other Canadians on the roster are Hugo Houle, Guillaume Boivin, Michael Woods, Derek Gee and Riley Pickrell.
Côté just finished the CRO race, formerly known as the Tour of Croatia, in fifth place overall.
“Pier-André has been an exceptional teammate throughout the season and has moved from the academy to the professional team several times already,” recalled Israel-Premier Tech general manager Kjell Carlström in a press release. His result in the CRO race was just another example of Pier-André’s willingness to step up and make the most of an opportunity given to him. Many other opportunities will present themselves to him over the next two years, and I am convinced that Pier-André will excel within our professional team. »
Côté also finished at 10e place in the general classification at the Tour de Belgique, and fifth at the Course des raisins, a one-day classic in Belgium.
“This year has been great,” admitted Côté. I’ve done a lot with the pros and it’s so motivating to work for a win or a team performance with such great athletes. It’s stimulating to be surrounded by such talented and versatile guys, and it’s allowed me to reach my full potential. »
The Quebecer won the individual time trial at the Canadian Road Cycling Championships in June, and he finished second to Woods in the road race.
“I’ve been surprising myself in all kinds of conditions lately, so I hope I can continue on this path and become an even more complete cyclist,” he said. I hope to be able to exploit my versatility during the cycling classics and achieve success there.
“As for my main goal for the next few years, if I had to sum it up in one, it would be to continue progressing to become the most complete cyclist possible,” he added.