History: The Israeli cycling group, Startup Nation, has appointed British Sherry Friedham to the position - the first in a position at the World Tour level • Partner in the position: Dror Pekach of Israel
Sherry Friedham.
Shattering serial glass ceilings
Photography:
Alex Dafil
The Israel Startup Nation cycling team made history when it appointed for the first time in the history of the World Tour a woman as the director of some of the group's races.
These are British Friedham ministers.
She will share the role with Israeli coach Dror Pekach (39), who was appointed at the same time, and in his case it is also history, since he became the first Israeli in the position, in the Grand Tour round.
'I'm happy, proud and mostly excited to go back to what we started a little over six years ago.
The way the team has done is no less impressive, "said Pekach, who also thanked team owners Ron Bar-On and Sylvan Adams for their trust in him.
Friedham, 49, is smashing serial glass ceilings in the bicycle industry, when already in 2011 she was appointed race director of the British "Rally" group, several years after she was injured in a car accident and her cycling career was cut short.
She eventually became the owner of the same team and led some of her riders to the World Championships in Voldrum.
"We did not attach her because she is a woman," explained Sun Cell director Carlstrom, "we came to the conclusion that she has the necessary skills and experience."
Owner Adams added: "She got the job thanks to her successes. She is an excellent professional and will now have the opportunity to run some of the best riders in the world in racing."
Friedham confidently concluded: "I have competed against male riders in the past and I expect to be judged on the results. I am proud to be the first director at this level, in one of the top teams and I hope it will inspire those who come after me."