The Israel Cycling Academy continues to bolster its roster for next year in hopes of entering the UCI World Tour, announcing that it has signed recent Tour of Utah winner Ben Hellmans to a two-year contract through 2021.

The Pro Continental team, which recently signed Dan Martin to a two-year deal from UAE Team Emirates, is reportedly pursuing a path to the 2020 World Tour by acquiring the World Tour license of Catoosa Alpecin and its Swiss team. Re-signing Hellmans is a key component to building a top-tier roster.

"I enjoyed my two years at ICA. I came here to get a chance to win, and with the support of the team I was able to achieve that," said Hellmans. This team has improved year after year, and I'm confident it will continue to do so. That's one of the main reasons I decided to stay: to keep growing and keep winning. I am confident that I can do my part."

Hellmans also said he is excited to be racing with Dan Martin.

"I look forward to riding with him and doing well together in some classics and stage races.

"This team has a very good image and a lot of riders want to join us. It's no wonder why."

Hermans spent eight years at the World Tour level before moving to the Pro Continental level with the Israel Cycling Academy in 2018. In his last two seasons with the team, the 33-year-old Belgian has won the Tour of Austria twice and this year's Tour of Utah, where he finished second in 2018.

Israel Cycling Academy manager Kjell Carlstrom said Hermans has proven himself to be a consummate professional in his last two seasons with the team.

"We are happy to have him for two more years and will continue to rely on him to deliver results in many races," Carlstrom said.