Dylan Teuns leaves Bahrain - Victorious on shocking mid-season transfer

It was public for months that Dylan Teuns would not be renovating with Bahrain - Victorious, however the Belgian rider has surprised today as he was announced to be the new signing of Israel - Premier Tech with immediate effect.

With two months left of racing, the Israeli team has put out all the stops to try and ensure their maintenance at World Tour level. Teuns has won a stage at the Tour de Romandie and Flèche Wallone earlier this spring, and has last raced at the Tour de France where he didn't manage to repeat his success. With a closeable gap, he will be a crucial part of Israel - Premier Tech for the rest of the season, with the team confirming that he'll be targeting the Vuelta a Espana and the Italian classics later on.

“...I feel I will be able to play a key role in the races that suit me most and together with IPT’s other leaders, we can be a really strong team," he said in a press release. The Belgian puncheur will be joining Jakob Fuglsang and Michael Woods, both riders with similar skillsets who can compliment each other through the last months of the season.

Teuns explained the reasons behind such a sudden transfers. “I was already talking to IPT about joining in 2023 but then Sylvan Adams offered me the chance to make the switch now and start my contract immediately, which I am really grateful for," he revealed "I had three and a half great years with Bahrain – Victorious where I won my biggest races and I want to thank them for everything. I am really excited for this new chapter and can’t wait to race with Israel – Premier Tech".

Teuns move can be critical in the balance for the fight for the World Tour spots, where Israel and Lotto Soudal have been on the back foot all year long, and with Movistar the team currently sitting in 18th and most vulnerable position.