Alpecin-Fenix's ambitions "provides security" for Mathieu van der Poel

Alpecin-Fenix have taken the opportunity in the Giro d'Italia's second rest day to announce they will be changing title sponsors on July 1st, to Alpecin-Deceuninck.

“It provides security. And now perhaps certain transfers can continue," Mathieu van der Poel told the media this Monday as the Belgian team advanced the news. With this move confirmed, the Dutchman may have been referring to Tim Merlier who has ongoing interest from Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl - who has been a crucial part of Alpecin's evolution over the last few years.

An increase in budget is expected, and a promotion to World Tour level is essentially confirmed. With van der Poel under contract for another three seasons starting 2023, many points and sponsor exposure are assured, and the team will be looking to sign up new riders as there will be a lot of freedom specially in the field of the climbers.

He's talked also about the coming weeks, in which the Giro d'Italia will get significantly harder - and from stage 14 onwards, much more complicated to gather stage wins: “I haven't looked at weeks two and three in detail yet, but normally I should be able to handle tomorrow's stage. If I stay well rested, I'll keep racing like this. However, I also assume that I will sometimes have a slightly lesser day in week two or three," he concluded.