Updated: James Piccoli and Alex Cataford will not continue with Israel Premier Tech
The Israeli-Canadian-backed team drops two of its five Canadian riders going into 2023.
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James Piccoli, the Canadian rider who lit up the North American circuit earlier in his career, will not continue with Israel Premier Tech.
Piccoli suggested he’s not done yet with cycling after confirming he will not continue with the team in 2023.
“I will not be continuing with [Israel Premier Tech]. There’s no way to sugar coat it. This year has been one of the most difficult in my sporting career and life. There’s no need to go into much detail, but I am looking forward to a change in environment and I look forward to sharing some news soon,” Piccoli wrote, thanking his family, friends, and wife.
UPDATED: On Thursday, the team also confirmed that Alex Cataford will not continue in 2023.
Cataford, 29, raced two seasons with United Health Care before joining Israel Premier Tech in 2019. After four seasons with the team, it’s unsure where Cataford will race.
The two departures come as the WorldTour future of Israel Premier Tech remains on the ropes.
The team finished outside the top 18-ranked teams and could face relegation, though team owner Sylvan Adams has hinted at legal action if the team loses its top-tier license.
The team is reducing its roster going into 2023, with a few key names retiring or moving on. With Piccoli and Cataford, two of the team’s five Canadian riders will not continue. Michael Woods, Hugo Houle and Guillaume Boivin will race in team colors in 2023.
Today, we want to thank Alexander Cataford for his four years with the team. It has been a true pleasure, Alex! Best of luck with your next chapter in life. pic.twitter.com/yYNMch8DHr
— Israel – Premier Tech / Israel Cycling Academy (@IsraelPremTech) November 24, 2022
Piccoli, 31, emerged as one of the best climbers on the North American circuit, winning the Tour de Beauce in 2018 and the Tour de Gila in 2019, along with a stage win and second overall at the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah that year.
Those results helped open the door to join Israel Premier Tech in 2020, where he raced two editions of the Vuelta a España and finished second at the 2021 Tour de Rwanda.
After three good years with the team, we all wish James Piccoli the very best of luck for the future. It has been a pleasure, James. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/cNNQ3Tfapl
— Israel – Premier Tech / Israel Cycling Academy (@IsraelPremTech) November 23, 2022