Paris-Roubaix runner-up Nils Politt will join Alex Dowsett, Rick Zabel in moving to Israel Cycling Academy next season, his new team has announced.
The German rider finished in the second place of the 2019 Paris-Roubaix and is considered one of the rising classic stars.
The 25-year-old took a step up to the WorldTour in 2016 with Katusha-Alpecin and he wants to focus on races like Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.
“Nils has shown in the last few years that he is close to winning big races,” said Israel Cycling Academy manager Kjell Carlstrom. “We believe that he will be a great asset. We will build our first part of the classics campaign around him.”
“Obviously the circumstances were difficult for all Katusha-riders, but I am happy that I now have a clear situation,” Politt said in a team press release. “I am very happy that I am part of the Israel Cycling Academy, and I am looking forward to being involved in this project.”
Politt can look forward to riding alongside compatriot André Greipel next season with Israel Cycling Academy.
“In this team, I can learn a lot, especially about racing classics. Last year in Katusha, we missed a rider with experience,” Politt said. “Now with André Greipel and all the other strong riders in the team, I think we can get outstanding results in the spring classics.”
