Jake Stewart signs extension with Israel – Premier Tech after breakthrough Dauphiné win: “It was a no-brainer”

Jake Stewart will continue his career at Israel – Premier Tech through to at least the end of the 2028 season, following a new three-year contract extension announced by the team this week. The deal comes just days after the Briton claimed his first WorldTour victory on stage 5 of the Critérium du Dauphiné, sprinting to an emphatic win in France.

It marks a turning point in Stewart’s career, which has been revitalised since joining IPT in 2024. Initially signed as a support rider for the team’s sprint leaders, Stewart has evolved into a versatile asset, both as a reliable lead-out and, increasingly, a finisher in his own right.

“Jake joined us in 2024 as a key support rider for the team’s sprint leaders but we knew he had what it took to become a leader in his own right, both on and off the road,” said IPT General Manager Kjell Carlström in a team press release. “Jake settled into the team immediately and established himself as one of the team’s MVPs – a rider all of his teammates want by their side at the start line.”

Carlström revealed the decision to extend Stewart’s contract was made earlier this season, before his recent wins, further highlighting the team’s belief in his long-term potential. “The fact that Jake has secured two victories since then is a testament to his determination and hard work, and extremely well-deserved,” he added. “Jake has a bright future ahead of him and we’re thrilled that he will continue his development as a rider in IPT colors.”

For Stewart, the extension is more than just a contract; it shows he has found a place he can confidently call home.

“It was a no-brainer to renew with the team and it was something that was already on my mind at the end of last year,” Stewart explained. “Having been part of a team that’s been so successful and a part of so many wins in the team, especially last year with Tour of Britain, Flèche Wallonne, and Tour of Guangxi, it allowed me to re-find my love for training and racing and being a bike rider.”

The support and environment offered by IPT has helped Stewart tap into a level of performance that, by his own admission, he always believed was possible but hadn’t previously realised.

“I always knew what I was capable of doing, but for whatever reasons in the past, I’d not fulfilled the opportunities I was given. That’s certainly evident in the last month or so with the two wins which show that with the right support, the right team, and being in an environment where I’m happy and relaxed, the success is a by-product of that.”

With a renewed sense of purpose, Stewart sees the coming years as a pivotal period in his development. “It feels like I’m turning a new page in my career,” he said. “The goal for the future remains the same with IPT; developing me into a world-class lead-out rider, and that’s something I’m really keen to do personally. But obviously, I also get my own opportunities and I try to make the most of them.”

IPT team owner Sylvan Adams praised Stewart’s initiative and leadership in his Dauphiné stage win, where he was initially tasked with working for Pascal Ackermann before circumstances forced a change of plan.

“Since joining IPT, Jake has become one of our leaders, as he typifies our team culture,” Adams said. “This was on full display last week at the Critérium du Dauphiné, where Jake was assigned lead out duties for our sprinter, Pascal Ackermann. When Pascal unfortunately crashed out, Jake put on a master class for all the other sprinters and their teams, by winning the stage himself.”

“Jake is a fearless winner and adds to a winning culture on our team. I am delighted that Jake will be with us for the next three years, and beyond!”