In first, Israel cycling team competes in UAE Tour
Baku, February 24, AZERTAC
Israel’s professional cycling team, Israel Start-Up Nation, made history on Sunday when it became the first Israel team to compete in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Tour, the Middle East’s top cycling race, according to TPS news agency.
The race will unfold over the coming week, crossing all seven of the Emirates from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
“Competing in the UAE in the team uniform is an inspiring moment. Until recently, it would have seemed like an unrealistic dream,” said 23-year-old Israeli rider Omer Goldstein.
The Israeli team was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception it received.
Co-owner of the Israel Start-Up Nation team, Sylvan Adams, commented that “the participation in this race by our Israeli team in a Middle Eastern nation is emblematic of how cycling can be a force for diplomatic openness and progress.”
“It is not an exaggeration to suggest that sport can be a force for peace, and this is one of the missions of Team ISN,” he added.
The UAE Tour is the Middle East’s largest professional cycling race and the only one in the region which is part of the World Tour competition, the very highest level of the sport.
Israel Start-Up Nation is competing on the World Tour for the first time this season, as one of the world’s 19 biggest professional cycling teams. As a World Tour competitor, Israel Start-Up Nation gained automatic entry to the UAE Tour.
Israel Start-Up Nation will make history again in June when it becomes the first Israeli team to compete in the Tour de France - the world’s third most-watched sporting event, after the quadrennial Summer Olympic Games and the soccer World Cup.
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