“It would be a huge honour”
“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 has 6 Tour de France stage wins under his belt
Ready to “take the initiative”
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.