Dan Martin: This is the kind of atmosphere that I perform best in

Dan Martin at the Israel Start-Up Nation presentation in Tel Aviv (Image credit: Noa Arnon)

The end of the calendar year is always a time of change in the pro cycling world, as teams new and old come together ahead of a new season, bringing together all manner of neo-pros, new signings, staff, and those already on the squad.

It was no different for the newly-minted Israel Start-Up Nation – formerly Israel Cycling Academy – who gathered new sponsors, suppliers and staff, plus 17 new riders, in Tel Aviv for their pre-season training camp this week.

Dani Ostanek
Senior News Writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, joining in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Before joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur.

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, Road World Championships, and the spring Classics. They have interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Demi Vollering, and Remco Evenepoel. Their favourite races are the Giro d'Italia, Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix.

Season highlights from the 2024 season include reporting from Paris-Roubaix –  'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix – and the Tour de France – 'Disbelief', gratitude, and family – Mark Cavendish celebrates a record-breaking Tour de France sprint win.