Cycling Academy adds Colombian Edwin Avila to 2018 roster

Israel Cycling Academy continues to bolster its stage racing prowess with the signing of Colombian fast man Edwin Avila from Team Illuminate.

The 27-year-old Colombian, who is a former national road champion and two-time points race world champion on the track, took up road racing four years ago and spent the last two seasons with US Continental team Illuminate. In that time Avila has won two stages at the Tour de Taiwan, where he was second overall this year.

Avila also showed promise this year with second at the Tour of Korea and stage wins at the Sibiu Cycling Tour and the Tour Azerbaijan. He won the points competition in Taiwan, Azerbaijan and Korea.

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“We strongly believe that the best is yet to come from our first Colombian rider,” said Israel Cycling Academy Manager Ran Margaliot. “We were waiting for the opportunity to add a Colombian rider to Academy as we always admired the great cycling passion they possess, along with enormous courage. In Avila, we found these characteristics with so much more; a rare combination between a climber and a sprinter, who will give us an enormous boost and a chance to win in wide race scenarios.

“He is not a pure climber but he can climb very well and win in a selective sprint and a breakaway,” Margaliot said. “He can also perform in a TT very well and serve as a lead out when needed. Bottom line - he is extremely versatile and aggressive and that perfectly suits the racing style of our team.”

Israel Cycling Academy first noticed Avila’s talents at the Tour d'Azerbaijan when the Colombian attacked on the final climb of stage 4 and then held on for the stage win.

You can read more at Cyclingnews.com