The green jersey in a WorldTour race and his first Israeli national road title
Even if he had written the script himself, it is hard to imagine that Nadav Raisberg – an eternal optimist by nature – could have come up with a better storyline.
In the space of just six days, he added two remarkable lines to his résumé: a prestigious professional achievement by winning the points classification jersey in one of the world’s most prestigious stage races, the Critérium du Dauphiné (now officially known as the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), and today he completed the mission by claiming his first Israeli national road race championship title.
At first glance, there appears to be a huge gap between the significance of the two achievements. After all, Raisberg, secured one of the greatest accomplishments ever achieved by an Israeli professional cyclist – perhaps the greatest – in the Alpes. Yet emotionally and personally, the Israeli championship carries even greater weight for him.
“The national champion’s jersey will now be my identity for an entire year in the biggest races around the world, and I couldn’t be prouder,” said an emotional Raisberg just minutes after the podium ceremony, where he wore the blue-and-white jersey for the first time.
Ahead of the 135-kilometer race on the low hills between Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv , Raisberg had stated that he preferred an open race despite the dominance expected from his four NSN teammates – Itamar Einhorn, Oded Kogut, Rotem Tene, and himself.
“I’d rather win the title through hard work and sweat,” he said.
That is exactly what happened.
Raisberg and close friend Kogut launched an attack already on the opening lap and gradually built an advantage that eventually reached three minutes. From that point, it became clear that nobody would catch the leading duo.
Just over one lap from the finish, Kogut made a decisive move and opened a gap of more than 20 seconds, knowing his chances against the stronger-climbing Raisberg on the final ascent were limited. However, the gap proved insufficient. Raisberg reeled in his teammate before the final climb and sealed the victory with a solo finish.
Kogut crossed the line second, while Rotem Tene completed an all-NSN podium sweep in third place.
“I can finally breathe now,” said Raisberg. “I went through some very tense hours before the race and even after the start, when Oded and I found ourselves at the front on the opening lap and decided to commit to the attack. Once we realized it was working, we focused on increasing the gap and I was able to relax a little. He kept making it difficult for me right until the end, but on the final climb I knew I was going to do it.
“Obviously, on paper, the green jersey at the Dauphiné is on a different level, but I don’t see it that way. I simply can’t wait to show up at races around the world wearing the Israeli champion’s jersey.”
Sports Director Aviad Izrael summed it up: “Without a doubt, he deserved this title. He’s had an incredible week.”
As expected, NSN riders delivered a perfect championship performance. The team’s four riders occupied the first four places in the race – Raisberg, Kogut, Tene, and Einhorn – while NSN Development Team rider Matar Peretz successfully defended his Israeli Under-23 National Road Race title, winning the category for the third consecutive year.
