Plaza extends with Israel Cycling Academy

Ruben Plaza has signed on for another year with Israel Cycling Academy. The 38-year-old Spaniard announced his decision Friday with a presentation on Facebook Live. Plaza joined the team this season after three seasons with the Australian Orica WorldTour teams.

"When I signed with ICA for the 2018 season, I was really thinking that this is going to be my final year as a pro, but as the season progressed I realized that I am still very much motivated," Plaza said in a statement released by the team.

"The fantastic experience being a leader and a veteran in a young team, being part of a project that is changing Cycling in Israel - has given new meaning to what I do on the bike," he said. "Then came the historic and unforgettable Giro D'italia and the moments I will never ever forget when all the country united behind the team."

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Plaza had a resurgence of sorts with the Israeli-registered team this year, taking his first win in three years as he soloed to a stage win and overall victory at the Vuelta a Castilla y Leon in April. Plaza made the roster for the team's Giro d'Italia squad and the historic start in Jerusalem, and he nearly scored a stage win when he was second to Maximilian Schachmann (Quick-Step Floors) on stage 18 to Prato Nevoso. 

"I was close, but close is not enough," Plaza said. "I wanted to give myself and the team a dream win, and this mission is still unfulfilled. When the team came to me with the offer to continue for another year, I asked myself if I can still deliver with ability and motivation, and the answer was, 'Yes, I can.' So I see it as almost another chance to leave a mark and continue the journey with this unique team."

Plaza finished 10 seconds behind the German on that Giro stage as the day-long breakaway disintegrated on the final climb, just missing out on his goal to win a stage in each Grand Tour after taking wins at the Vuelta a Espana in 2015 and 2005, and in the Tour de France in 2015. Team co-owner Sylvan Adams hinted that Plaza will get a chance at his Giro win again next year.

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