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Alexander Cataford re-signs with Israel Cycling Academy

Two Canadians confirmed for team's first year in the WorldTour

October 10, 2019
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There’s more good news from Israel Cycling Academy eight days after the team stepped up to the WorldTour by merging with Katusha and six days after signing Canadian climber James Piccoli: Piccoli’s compatriot Alexander Cataford has extended with the squad. Cataford re-signs for 2020 after one season with ICA.

Cataford recently showed a lot of grit in carrying on in the CRO Race in Croatia after several crashes. However, he missed Tuesday’s Tre Valli Varesine after having to go to the hospital where it was revealed he had broken ribs.

His season finished, Cataford was excited about his extension and the promise of racing in the WorldTour. “I’m really excited to race on the biggest stage next year,” he told Canadian Cycling Magazine. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was a young racer in Ontario. I’m excited to show what I can do against the best in the world and continue to develop as a rider.”

ICA has a 2020 roster to fill out and then planning for its new level of racing. Cataford said, “We have yet to nail down anything specific in terms of calendar yet, but I will often be one of the supporters in the mountains for our top GC guys in the WorldTour stage races. I hope to show what I can do there, and also get a Grand Tour under my belt. As for my personal ambitions, the team and I will set some races where I can be a designated GC leader and go for the win in those races. I’m looking forward to a big step up next year.”

What 2020 holds for ICA’s two other Canadians, Guillaume Boivin and Ben Perry, is uncertain right now. Perry recently tweeted his 2019 resumé looking for a ride.