Israel's premier tech team has revamped its Directeur Sportif for 2023. Despite team owner Sylvain Adams' threats to sue, the team has been relegated from the World Tour.

With other professional teams scoring so many points in 2022, Israel Premier Tech may also need a wildcard invitation to Grand Tours and major races, but they seem determined to prove their worth in 2023. The team will consist of 27 riders, including Chris Froome, Michael Woods, Giacomo Nizzolo, Hugo Houle, Simon Clark, and newcomer Dylan Tuns.

The team held a pre-season staff meeting in Barcelona last week, where Sam Bury and Rene Mandoli were welcomed as the new director sportifs and Steve Bauer was named head sport director.

Somewhat surprisingly, Zach Dempster, Claudio Cozzi, and Nicki Sorensen are leaving the team, despite being highly regarded by some players. Rene Andre, Dirk Demol, Oscar Guerrero, Dror Pekacic, and Ruben Plaza will remain with the Sportif Group in 2023.

"With the addition of the unique experience and fresh perspective of Sam Bury and Rene Mandoli, our Sporting Directors group will have a new look next year. [Steve Bauer will move into the role of Head Sports Director, a role he previously held with the CCC team, and Steve will lead the DS group and work with Sports Manager Rick Verbrugghe. [At the same time, I would like to thank Zach Dempster, Claudio Cozzi, and Nikki Sorensen who are leaving IPT. They have all made tremendous contributions to the team over the past few years." "We wish them all the best in their next endeavors.

Bury retired as a rider last month after 13 years as a trusted domestique, primarily with the Bike Exchange-Jayco team.

"I am very excited to begin a new chapter in my cycling career and embark on my new role as sport director. After a long professional career, this is a natural next step for me and Israel - Premier Tech has given me a great opportunity to grow and also offer my experience to the team," said Bury.

Mandri retired in 2013 and is the coach of Estonia's Team Ampla - Tartu 2024 Continental Team.

"In my recent work as the director of Team Ampla-Tartu 2024, I really missed working and racing as a sports director. So I was looking for something more exciting and with a good structure around me. After three days of meetings this week, I knew it was a great group of people.

2023 Israel Premier Tech Director's Group: Steve Bauer (Canada), Rene Andre (Czech Republic), Sam Bury (New Zealand), Dirk Demor (Belgium), Oscar Guerrero (Spain), Rene Mandoli (Estonia) , Dror Pekac (Israel), Ruben Plaza (Spain).