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Veteran Climber Wout Poels Joins Unibet Rose Rockets for 2026 Season, Aiming for Tour de France Glory
In a meaningful move that signals serious ambitions for the 2026 season, the cycling outfit formerly known as Unibet Rose rockets has secured the services of seasoned Dutch climber Wout Poels on a one-year contract.At 38 years old, Poels brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the grueling mountain stages that often decide Grand Tours, making him a valuable asset for the team’s ascent.
Poels is no stranger to the podium’s top step,boasting a career highlight that includes a victory at the prestigious Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2016. His climbing prowess was further showcased in 2023 with stage wins in both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, demonstrating his enduring ability to compete at the highest level.Last season, he added another impressive victory to his palmarès by winning the Tour of Turkey, proving he still has the legs for challenging races.
The addition of Poels marks a strategic reinforcement for unibet Rose Rockets, which is aiming to make a significant impact in the professional peloton. He becomes the second prominent Dutchman to join the squad, following the earlier announcement of sprinter Dylan Groenewegen. This pairing of a powerful sprinter and a tenacious climber could offer the team a versatile attacking strategy, akin to how American teams frequently enough build rosters with both speedsters and GC contenders.
Beyond Poels and Groenewegen, the team’s roster is shaping up with a diverse international talent pool. Danish time trial specialist Niklas Larsen, Dutch sprint pilot Elmar Re
