"It’s still a big dream for me to be a professional cyclist": John Degenkolb renews with Team Picnic PostNL for one more season

Veteran German cyclist John Degenkolb will remain in the professional peloton for another year after signing a contract extension with Team Picnic PostNL through the end of the 2027 season. The 37-year-old, now in his 16th season as a professional, will continue his transition from a prolific Monument winner and Grand Tour stage hunter into a road captain and mentor for the team's younger generation.

Degenkolb's contract extension continues one of the longest-running relationships between a rider and a team in the current peloton. Across two different spells with the organization (2012–2016 and 2022 to the present), he has spent ten seasons racing in their colors.

During his first stint, Degenkolb made his name as one of the world's most lethal finishers. He secured ten stage wins at the Vuelta a España and a stage at the Giro d’Italia, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of his career in 2015 when he achieved the rare double of winning both Milano-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix. After a stint with Trek-Segafredo, where he completed his Grand Tour stage win collection by taking a victory at the Tour de France, he returned to his current team to embark on a new chapter.

Since his return in 2022, Degenkolb is no longer the protected sprinter or designated classics leader. Instead, his immense value to Team Picnic PostNL is now measured in guidance and leadership. Recognized as a "culture carrier" and one of the sport's most respected figures, his primary objective is to help young riders navigate the demands of the WorldTour.

"Earlier in my career, when I was in a different role chasing those wins in the biggest races, I always relied on great road captains," Degenkolb explained in team statement. "That showed me how important it is when you are young and ambitious to have experienced riders and people around you."

Embracing this responsibility has become a deeply fulfilling part of his late career. "I want to be able to play that role for our young, talented and ambitious riders in the team. It makes me really happy to have that opportunity for another season."

At 37 years old, his passion for the bike remains the driving force behind his decision to keep racing. "Even to this day, it’s still a big dream for me to be a professional cyclist," Degenkolb noted in the team's official statement. "Now, I’m already into my 16th year as a pro, which for me is like living my childhood dream."