“I was a bit done with it” - Danny van Poppel steps away from lead out role as Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe back him to sprint again

Danny van Poppel will return to sprinting for his own results in 2026, stepping away from the elite lead out role that made him one of the most respected figures in the peloton. Speaking to WielerFlits.nl, the Dutch national champion made clear that the decision was driven as much by personal motivation as by team belief.

“I’ve worked so hard and so much over the past four years that I was a bit done with it,” Van Poppel said, reflecting on his time leading out sprinters outside the very top tier. “That’s why I accepted the option the team offered me to sprint again myself.”

Van Poppel had been widely regarded as one of the best lead out riders in the world, but his role is now changing decisively at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. After winning the Dutch Championships and claiming four victories last season, he felt the moment was right to take responsibility again.

“The team asked me whether it was an option to start sprinting again myself. My victory at the Dutch Championships helped to speed up that decision. I want to show that red white blue jersey.”

Van Poppel is clear that his return to sprinting does not mean blindly contesting every fast finish. Instead, his approach will be selective, based on realistic chances against the very best.

“For me, 2026 is a bridging year. There are four or five world class sprinters, so to speak. If I really feel that someone is that much faster than me, then we go for it. Otherwise, not anymore.”

That shift has also reshaped his racing programme. While he will ride the Tour Down Under with a full sprint train, his season will then pivot towards the Spring Classics and ultimately the Giro d Italia, which he has identified as his main objective.

“I’ll be able to go for my own chances in the flat stages. That’s fantastic.”

The new role comes with a significant trade off. For the first time since 2021, Van Poppel will not ride the Tour de France, having previously been used as a key positioner for Primoz Roglic.

“It might sound a bit strange to say, but honestly, I’d rather go to the Tour with a top sprinter and then win stages,” he explained. “When working for a GC team, I sometimes rode stages with pain in my heart, knowing I had to let myself drop in the final kilometres.”

Despite acknowledging that missing the Tour hurts, Van Poppel sees clarity in his new status. “I’m a sprinter again now, not a helper for a team leader.”

Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe have reinforced that commitment by investing in sprint support, something Van Poppel views as a clear signal of trust.

“The team has also invested in the sprint train, which shows confidence. I’ve decided to go all in. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Van Poppel will now build towards the Giro d'Italia via altitude training, carrying the Dutch champion’s jersey into a Grand Tour he believes can deliver results.

“I’ll give it my all, we’re going for it. Without pressure. I believe I can win there.”