Masterstroke worthy of top marks by Unibet Tietema Rockets, Soudal is making progress while UAE…

This year’s transfer market hasn’t stirred the waters like in previous seasons. Usually, the first days of August were filled with official announcements that reshaped teams for the upcoming years, but this time the market seems to be at a standstill.

One possible reason could be some internal team developments that might unexpectedly release several riders still under contract for the coming seasons. However, one team didn’t waste any time in making a top-class move: Unibet Tietema Rockets. The French team secured the services of Dylan Groenewegen until 2027 — one of the best sprinters in the peloton, who has chosen to believe in their project.

The Dutchman will leave Jayco and Visma for a team that has never raced a Grand Tour. It’s a bold decision for a six-time Tour de France stage winner with 77 career victories, and it will likely open the doors to prestigious races for the team, giving them the level-up needed to aim for a Grand Tour invitation.

Read also: Transfer market, who will retire this year

A bit further north, in Belgium, Soudal Quick-Step announced the signing of Edward Planckaert and the contract extension of Louis Vervaeke — two key domestiques who further strengthen the squad following the arrival of Jasper Stuyven, their new leader for the cobbled classics.

Meanwhile, Rafal Majka has decided to retire, opening up an important new possibility on the market: will UAE look to replace him with another high-profile domestique? Or will they place their trust in rising talents like Christen or Torres to support Pogacar in the decisive moments of Grand Tours? These are questions that will be answered in the coming weeks, as several strong climbers are nearing the end of their contracts this year.

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