For the second year in a row, Domenico Pozzovivo has managed to save his career late, signing with Israel Premier Tech two months into the 2023 season.

The Italian, who turned 40 in November, found himself without a team after his contract with Intermarque-Circus Wanti, which he had just acquired in mid-February last year, expired at the end of 2022.

He refused to put an end to his career and continued to train privately, holding out hope for a late contract that materialized in the form of another season at the World Tour level.

"It is a great achievement to join a team that is willing to train without a team for a hard and difficult few months, but at the same time this is a starting point for a very good season. A little later start than usual, but the motivation is the same," Pozzovivo said.

"I want to thank the management of IPT for believing in me. Especially Valentino Sciotti of (sponsor) Fantini, who encouraged me to join the team and convinced the management of my qualities.

Pozzovivo turned professional in 2005 and this season marks his 19th year. He has seven top-10 finishes at the Giro d'Italia, and most recently last year he convinced Israel's Premier Tech to recognize his abilities at the age of 40.

With 29 riders already on board, the team secured a one-rider slot under UCI restrictions, handing the spot to Pozzovivo, who signed a one-year contract.

"We are delighted that Domenico will be joining our team. Despite his advanced age, he has proven that he still has a lot of potential left in him," said team owner Sylvain Adams.

The team is trying to complete the paperwork in time for this week's Tirreno Adriatico, but Pozzovivo will make his debut at the Settimana Coppi e Bartali later this month, followed by the Giro d'Italia and the Italian Classics in the fall. After that, the Giro d'Italia and the Italian Classics in the fall will be his major goals for the season.

Indeed, Pozzovivo already appears to be the team leader of the Israeli premier tech team of the Italian Grand Tour, despite joining the team at the last minute.

"With an eye on this year's Grand Tour and stage race ambitions, we believe Domenico Pozzovivo can strengthen GC's prospects, especially at the Giro d'Italia," said general manager Kjell Carlström.

He is a proven fighter, capable of racing alone and achieving solid results in the GC. He is the ultimate professional and we are delighted to have him join the IPT."

Pozzovivo, who also finished third in last year's Giro delle Miglia, added, "The Giro d'Italia is one of my main goals for this season and for me it is to finish in the top 10. It is a very important result considering my age and the accidents and recoveries that have happened in my career.

"But the Giro is not my only goal this season. I think I can be in the GC places in the important week-long races during the season, and the last classics in Italy, especially Il Lombardia, are races that suit me very well.