Israel - Premier Tech sign Paris-Tours winner Riley Sheehan - "I hope to continue to try and win more big races"

A transfer that comes as no surprise. Israel - Premier Tech brought Riley Sheehan into it's ranks in 2023 as a stagiaire, and after the American succeeded beyond expectations, the two now agree on a three-year deal starting January onwards already.

“We are incredibly happy to welcome Riley to the team for the next three years. Riley has a big future ahead of him, which he showed when he played his cards to perfection to win Paris – Tours, but what also stood out immediately was the way he integrated in the team and showed maturity beyond his years," team manager Rik Verbrugghe said in a press release. "His time with the Denver Disruptors and criterium racing experience has given him an excellent foundation for his first years as a pro. We are looking forward to watching Riley grow over the next three years and seeing what kind of rider he can become."

Sheehan had impressed in the American calendar throughout the year, including overall, points and KOM classification victories at the Joe Martin Stage Race where he directly beat Miguel Ángel López. A diamond in the rough, which the Israeli team took no time to bring as an experiment. It grew insanely quickly however, Sheehan was the winner of the reputable Paris-Tours even though he was only a stagiaire. He ended the season also with a sixth spot at the Japan Cup, showing on more than one occasion that he does not only have the talent to join the team but to lead it as well.

“I am so motivated to be part of Israel – Premier Tech. Having spent some time with the team already, I have gotten to know a lot of the staff and riders and I was so impressed with the atmosphere. It is really motivating to be joining such a great group of people and be part of the positive team environment,” the 23-year old said. “After my Paris – Tours win, I hope to continue to try and win more big races. It has only made me hungrier and even more motivated, so I look forward to chasing more great victories. I am excited to compete in the spring Classics and see what I can do with the IPT guys there. I am still uncertain as to what style of rider I can be, but I hope to be a very versatile rider who can win and support the team in every race.”