Israeli cyclist Guy Niv made history on Sept. 20 by becoming the first Israeli cyclist to complete the Tour de France. He was riding as part of Team Israel, which was competing in the tour for the first time. Completing the biggest professional cycling race represents a remarkable accomplishment for the 26-year-old who, until three years ago, was primarily a mountain biker and had little experience in road racing.

“I have done it for the next generation of young Israeli cyclists,” Niv said. “They can now dream of achieving this and more.”

Niv’s accomplishment has been covered widely in the Israeli medias, making him one of the country’s most celebrated athletes in a sport usually eclipsed by football and basketball.