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!”