"We’re ready – I really hope it happens": Dylan Groenewegen targets Tour de France return alongside Wout Poels for Unibet ROSE Rockets

Dylan Groenewegen says he’s “ready” to make a return to the Tour de France as he prepares for a new chapter with the Unibet ROSE Rockets in 2026 — and hopes the team’s growing strength, bolstered by the signing of veteran Wout Poels, will earn them a place on cycling’s biggest stage.

Speaking to In de Leiderstrui, the six-time Tour stage winner reflected on his move from Team Jayco AlUla, a four-year stint he brought to an early close after an ear infection ended his 2025 campaign. Despite still being under contract until January, his attention is already fixed on the Dutch outfit he’ll spearhead next season.

“The Tour isn’t in our hands,” Groenewegen admitted. “But looking at the team, I think we’re ready. It would be a huge honour, and I really hope it happens — but all we can do for now is hope for a place in the biggest race of the year.”

The Amsterdam-born sprinter will form part of an ambitious project under Bas Tietema’s Rockets setup, now rebranded as Unibet ROSE Rockets following a new sponsorship deal with the German bike manufacturer. Groenewegen was quick to praise both the partnership and the team’s recent development.

“It sounds great, doesn’t it? Unibet ROSE Rockets — I like the sound of that,” he said. “ROSE is a big, family-run company that’s been around for a long time. They’re focused on improving their products, and that’s something the Rockets want too. Behind the scenes, I’ve already seen the new bike — it’s a beautiful one, and people will see it for themselves next year.”

Groenewegen also drew encouragement from how his future teammates raced this autumn, particularly during the Tour of Holland. “The way they raced there is exactly how we want to race next season,” he said. “We want to win sprints, and that means taking the initiative — just like Lukas Kubis did almost every week. I’m really looking forward to it.”

After a year that brought him three victories — one in Hungary and two in Slovenia — the 32-year-old believes the new environment will help him rediscover his best form. “It was a pity to finish my season early, but I started early too, so it balanced out. These last few months are always tricky when you’re between teams, but I’m excited to start this next chapter.”

For Groenewegen, who last won a Tour de France stage in 2024, the mission is simple: to return to the world’s biggest race in new colours — and win again.