Australian Cyclists Clarke and Schultz Join Israel-Premier Tech Team for Tour de France, Froome Excluded

Australian Duo Clarke and Schultz Join Israel-Premier Tech Squad for Tour de France; Froome’s Absence Raises Eyebrows

Excitement brews among Australian cycling enthusiasts as two homegrown talents, Simon Clarke and Nick Schultz, are officially announced as part of Israel-Premier Tech’s roster for the upcoming Tour de France. The team, consisting of eight riders, also features cyclists from Canada, New Zealand, Belgium, and Latvia. However, the unexpected exclusion of four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome has sparked curiosity among fans.

Making the selection process challenging, General Manager Kjell Calström expressed confidence in the chosen riders, emphasizing the team’s focus on achieving stage victories in the prestigious race. Calström acknowledged the team’s depth and strength while highlighting the versatility and balance of the selected riders, noting their potential to make an impact throughout the stages.

Clarke, who captivated audiences with his stage win last year, demonstrated his prowess on challenging terrains, particularly the cobblestones. Meanwhile, Schultz narrowly missed a victory in 2022, settling for a close second place on Stage 10. Froome remained tight-lipped about his absence from the team, sharing glimpses of his training adventures in Israel, which included rock climbing and mountain biking, on social media.

Israel-Premier Tech faces significant pressure as a wild card entry in this year’s Tour, having secured only three wins thus far in 2023. Michael Woods’ recent triumph at La Route d’Occitanie has boosted the team’s morale, and he is eager to perform well on the course, particularly in the opening stages in the Basque Country. Woods aims to race aggressively, drawing inspiration from his Ottawa teammate Derek Gee, and has set his sights on claiming a stage victory.

With anticipation building, the Australian duo, Clarke and Schultz, alongside their teammates, are poised to deliver an exhilarating performance in the highly competitive Tour de France.