Israel - Premier Tech aim for sprints, mountains and hills as they seek Tour de France stage victories

Israel - Premier Tech have announced their '8' for the Tour de France, with no overall classification ambitions and fully focused on stage hunting. The Israeli team presents options for all kinds of terrain and features a set of both young and experienced riders capable of surprising in this Grand Boucle.

After winning a stage at the Criterium du Dauphiné Jake Stewart comes in as an interesting sprinter for the flat days - one who can also climb decently well - however it's unsure whether the Briton or Pascal Ackermann will be the main option, or if both will be given their respective opportunities on the flat days. Matis Louvel and Guillaume Boivin will be supporting them in the leadouts.

In the mountainous days Alexey Lutsenko will be the main man to watch whilst Michael Woods, Joe Blackmore and Krists Neilands are options for the days in the hills with more explosive climbs.

“We have several guys who will have opportunities in the first week. Stages one, two, and three will be intense. Certainly, Ackie and Jake will be key men, backed up by a solid support group," team sporting manager Steve Bauer said in a press release. "There could be a couple of potential breakaway stages before the first rest day, too, depending on how the peloton reacts and the race evolves. It will be important for our guys to be ready to go hunting for victories when these opportunities come.

“In the high mountains, Mike [Woods] is our best climber, and he’s proven he can win Grand Tour stages. We’ll look to keep him out of trouble in the first few days, and then we’ll utilize his strengths as we go forward.”

Israel - Premier Tech for Tour de France:
Pascal Ackermann
Joe Blackmore
Guillaume Boivin
Matis Louvel
Alexey Lutsenko
Krists Neilands
Jake Stewart
Michael Woods