For nearly two weeks, Israeli sprinter Itamar Einhorn has been carrying the feeling that he has unfinished business — one that he knows how to settle in the most effective way: by winning.
This “correction” is necessary at the Tour de Taiwan – which begins in Taipei on Sunday – after his performance at the Tour of Rwanda, where he couldn’t replicate the two brilliant stage victories he secured there last season.
“I expected to win,” Einhorn admits. “I came prepared, but I missed opportunities, which left me a bit frustrated — mainly because I had higher expectations of myself.”
But as part of the unique breed of sprinters who experience both failure and success in rapid cycles — riding an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows — he quickly shifted his focus to Taiwan. In fact, his mind was already there before he even boarded the plane from Kigali, Rwanda, for a short stopover at his home in Barcelona.
Taiwan, like Rwanda, is familiar and favorable territory for Einhorn. It’s where he claimed two big wins last year – in the opening and final stages. More than that, he was the driving force behind his team’s heroic effort on the last day, surprising the then-leader of the race and leaving him isolated while delivering the perfect outcome: Einhorn’s stage victory and his teammate Joe Blackmore being crowned the overall champion.
“I hope and believe we can repeat that success,” Einhorn says. “Personally, I have at least four sprint opportunities, which is a dream for any sprinter. I’m coming in prepared, hungry, and in good shape.”
Another key figure in this race is Brady Gilmore. The Australian started the Tour of Rwanda with a bang, winning two stages thanks to his aggressive and confident approach. But despite his success, he left Rwanda with a sense of missed opportunity — failing to take the overall victory, despite clearly being one of the strongest riders in the race.
Now, Gilmore wants to make amends in Taiwan, and he will have the full support of the team to fight for a podium finish in the general classification. However, achieving that will require overcoming two major challenges:
Young Israeli sports director Lahav Davidzon explains: “With so many sprint finishes, the eventual winner will likely be determined by just a few seconds, just like last year. The key will be collecting time bonuses through high placements in every stage.”
Gilmore seems well-suited for this task. As a punchy rider who combines solid climbing ability with proven sprinting speed, he has the potential to challenge for the overall victory.
“I’m coming into Taiwan with a lot of confidence after my two wins in Rwanda,” Gilmore says. “That race required a lot more climbing, whereas here, my main challenge will be excelling in the queen stage and collecting bonus seconds in the other stages to stay competitive in the GC. But it’s also important for me and the team to help Itamar in the sprints.”
Davidson adds: “We’ve brought a squad that can deliver results: stage wins and a podium finish in the GC. Moritz Kretschy, along with our Israeli riders Rotem Tene and Imry Faingezicht, will be the backbone of support for both Brady and Itamar in their key objectives. Taiwan will be a higher level race than Rwanda, so succeeding here won’t be easy. But when Itamar is at his best, he can compete with the strongest sprinters in the field. The same goes for Gilmore in the GC.”
The Tour de Taiwan kicks off on Sunday with an 83-kilometer criterium in the heart of Taipei. The race will then head south, culminating on Thursday at Liugdui Hakka Cultural Park.
Israel – Premier Tech at the Tour de Taiwan (Monday March 16 – Thursday March 20)
Riders: Itamar Einhorn (ISR), Imry Faingezicht (ISR), Brady Gilmore (AUS), Moritz Kretschy (GER), Rotem Tene (ISR)
Sports Director: Lahav Davidzon (ISR)
