Chris Froome

“The last 48 hours in Israel have been an eye-opener,” the road-racing icon said.

“The team has the name Israel on its jersey. It is important that they will know what Israel looks like—the culture, the people, the history, the food. It will give them a nice taste of what it looks like and feels like to be here,” said Guy Niv, a cyclist with Team Israel Start-Up Nation.

The famed race, which each year covers 3,413 kilometers (2,121 miles) over 21 stages in 23 days, featured eight riders wearing the Israel Start-Up Nation jersey.

On Tuesday, on the 150 flat kilometers (93 miles) from Redon to Fougeres, Israel Start-Up Nation was blessed with its first top 10 result in this year’s Tour de France.

The team members, who come from all over the world and are mainly not Jewish, not only cycle hard, they serve as ambassadors for the State of Israel.

It’s not just about winning, say organizers, but about offering the world a glimpse of the Jewish state and inspiring young people to bike on.

Speaking of the Israeli team, Chris Froome said, “I’m energized to be along for the ride. I feel we can achieve great things together.”