As reported by Cycling News over the weekend, Simon Clark has signed a one-year contract with Israel Premier Tech.

The Australian, who was looking for a team after Qhubeka NextHash disbanded at the end of 2021, has signed contracts with Chris Froome, Michael Woods, and Jacob Fuglsang for next year.

The two-time stage winner at the Vuelta a España completes the roster, becoming the 31st rider on the 2022 team.

"First of all, I'm happy to have found a team. But second, I was able to move to the team I would have normally chosen to move to. So not only am I happy to be able to continue racing on the World Tour, but I'm happy with where I ended up," Clark explained. [Darryl] Impey, [Sepp] Vanmarcke, [Giacomo] Nizzolo, [Tom] Van Asbroeck, and the staff as well. I feel like I'm back.

"As far as goals, I can't say too much before meeting with the team, but I'm pretty open minded in that I'm happy with what we're doing and we're making the most of it. Having gone through this volatile period, I have come to appreciate my good fortune in my career. I've become grateful for the good runs I've had and I've tried to make the most of them."

Clark has ridden for numerous teams throughout his long career. He made a name for himself with Orica GreenEdge and was a road captain with EF Education First. He then moved to Doug Ryder's Qhubeka team, but his second year contract was terminated.

"It was a tough situation, but there were still positives. It taught me that I need to make the most of every opportunity, never cut corners, and fight every race as if it were my last. In fact, it could be," Clark said. [I want to get back to Israel Premier Tech and make the most of it

General manager Kjell Carlstrom admitted that the team had previously talked to Clark about joining.

"We are happy to welcome Simon Clark to the team. Simon and I have been talking for some time, so when the opportunity to sign Simon presented itself, we jumped at the chance. Simon is not only experienced and talented, but his two stage wins at the Vuelta a España speak for themselves.

"He finished in the top ten in 2021 and his eighth place at Strade Bianche was particularly impressive. Simon will not only play an important role in contributing to the team leader's victory, but he also has the opportunity to achieve results on a personal level. We see great added value through his ability to contribute to the team's results."