“To become the first Israeli-Arab rider in the Academy fulfilled a personal dream and it is a great responsibility,” commented Sabah.

“I must take advantage of this great opportunity as I represent a whole sector and I can’t and won’t disappoint.”

The national and social diversity of Israel’s Academy places it at the top of the world’s professional teams. 

Riders come from 18 different countries and are based on all religions, gaining a special cover of a peace prize centre. Further new signings for 2019 include Italian sprinter Riccardo Minali, 23, who will join the ICA from Astana. He is the son of the great Italian rider Nicola Minali, who won 12 grand tours.