Israel - Premier Tech have announced their ninth signing for the 2024 and it is another sprinter. After four seasons with Groupama-FDJ, Jake Stewart will for the first time in his pro career race away from the French team.
Stewart's signing falls in a clear trend of riders who are being brought by the Israeli team. The sprint is a clear focus, and this transfer season alone they have already officialized the transfers of Pascal Ackermann from UAE Team Emirates and Ethan Vernon from Soudal - Quick-Step. Alongside Hugo Hofstetter who's coming in from Arkéa Samsic and Corbin Strong, Jake Stewart will be a fifth fast man for the team's plan into the upcoming season.
Perhaps building a leadout is part of the intention to sign Stewart, however the Briton has proven himself a quality rider over the past few year, having finished second at the 2021 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad showing off his versatility, but showing his speed in other races. He has two pro wins, at the 2022 and 2023 editions of the Tour de l'Ain.
As the 23-year old departs for a new adventure, Groupama-FDJ see their fleet of sprinters thin down further. After Arnaud Démare's mid-season departure, they will now likely not invest on new sprinter signings, and instead focus in the mountains, where they've got David Gaudu and a rising Lenny Martínez to protect - as well as classics rider Romain Grégoire.
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