Baron, the Israel Academy team founder and co-owner, expressed delight after accepting a wildcard invitation — offered by Giro organiser RCS Sport — to one of the leading events on the cycling calender, scheduled to begin in Jerusalem on May 4.

“Our dream, almost unthinkable only three years ago when we launched the team, is now coming true,” said Baron.

“A professional team with world-class Israeli riders alongside the finest international talents all under the Israeli flag, racing with pride in a Grand Tour. I encourage all our fans from Israel and around the world to support the team as it makes history.”

ICA co-owner Sylvan Adams believes the team have “earned this selection with our excellent pool of riders”. He said: “We now expect to add a stage win in this year’s Giro and to place a team leader high on the general classification of overall leaders. These are our goals in this year’s Giro.”

Israeli road champion Roy Goldstein enthused: “No Israeli rider has ever competed in a Grand Tour, so for us it’s really an unbelievable dream come true. It’s our chance to step up and stand on the biggest stage in the cycling world and to scream, ‘We are on the map and we will stay on the map.’”