All four Israeli riders on the Israel Startup Nation team have signed contract extensions, with Guy Niv, Guy Sagiv, Omer Goldstein, and Itamar Einhorn agreeing to one-year deals.

In a statement released Friday, the team wrote, "With the arrival of world-class riders on a revamped roster led by Chris Froome, we expect the Israeli riders to improve to meet new performance standards next season."

Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome signed a long-term contract with the team in the summer and will spearhead the Tour challenge next season after more than a decade with Team Sky/Ineos Grenadiers.

"The Israeli athletes are the core and DNA of this team. All of them have proven to be better and stronger riders. It's not an easy task because we are constantly evolving and stepping up," said team manager Kjell Carlstrom.

"It was encouraging to see them rise to the challenge and step up. But next year we need to see them improve again as the team progresses and moves forward. I am confident we will see them take another jump."

For Niv, the opportunity to run with Froome will be a great motivator for next season, but with the addition of Michael Woods, Patrick Bevin, Sepp Vanmarcke, and Daryl Impey, the team has depth in almost every department.

"I believe that racing with a legend like Chris Froome will bring out abilities I never imagined," said Niv, who this year became the first Israeli to ride the Tour de France.

"So will I be able to assist him and the team in their new overall class Grand Tour goals as they deserve? With Froome here, I will be better and will be able to prove my worth to him and the team." Team owner Sylvan Adams expressed confidence in the team's Israeli players, who he believes have taken a step forward in 2020.

"Each of our four Israeli riders has made great progress this year, despite the difficulties caused by COVID's shortened calendar. Three of them finished the Grand Tour, and Guy Niv made history as the first Israeli in cycling's biggest race, the Tour de France," Adams said.

"Itamar Einhorn became the first Israeli on the podium and also the first Israeli to win a UCI race. Omer Goldstein competed in his first Grand Tour in the Vuelta and was instrumental in team leader Dan Martin's near podium finish. Finally, Guy Saguib, who has now completed two Grand Tours, put in a solid performance in this year's Giro despite his return from injury. We are excited they will continue to ride with us. Overall, Israeli cycling is in great shape and we look forward to more and more talented athletes coming through our doors."[21

In related news, the team's continental team will consist of U23 riders in 2021, with eight Israeli riders.