The Israel-Premier Tech team has confirmed that the three Canadians Hugo Houle, Guillaume Boivin and Michael Woods will ride together again on the 110th Tour de France.
The squad revealed its starting roster early Friday for the race, which begins July 1.
Unsurprisingly, Houle will participate in his 5th Tour de France after a superb victory last year on the 16th stage.
Still uncertain a few days ago, Guillaume Boivin also received good news. The 34-year-old cyclist will take part in a 3rd Tour de France. In 2022, he was recalled at the last minute following the withdrawal of a teammate due to Covid-19. Sick, he was unfortunately unable to start the last stage on the Champs-Élysées.
Three Canadians
The Canadian Michael Woods, 36, will try for his part to win a stage to inflate his prize list which includes two victories in the Tour of Spain. Woods will be on his 4th Big Loop.
“We chose guys who get on well together,” mentioned Sylvan Adams, the team’s big boss.
Israel-Premier Tech unsurprisingly retained the Belgian Dylan Teuns, recruited in August 2022. Winner of two stages in 2019 and 2021, he has just achieved a good result by finishing 9th in the Tour de Suisse.
The 28-year-old Australian Nick Schultz, 23rd last year, could also strike a blow if the conditions are met.
The team will also rely on Simon Clarke, winner of the 5th stage on the cobbles in 2022, and Krists Neilands, a reliable model teammate.
Finally, with a plan in mind, the leaders selected 23-year-old New Zealand cyclist Corbin Strong. The team believes that the rookie may have a chance of winning the 1st stage to put on the first yellow jersey of the Tour.
Absentees
Regulars will have noticed the absence of Chris Froome, four-time Tour de France champion. In lack of results for five years, Froomey38, may never return to the Tour.
The Dane Jakob Fuglsang, who has 11 participations since 2010, will not be there either, as will Daryl Impey, substitute for the moment. For the first time, the team made the decision not to field an Israeli cyclist.
Tour of France | Team Israel-Premier Tech
Hugo Houle
Guillaume Boivin
Michael Woods
Dylan Teuns
Nick Schultz
Corbin Strong
simon clarke
Krists Neilands