Dylan Groenewegen to Race Giro d'Italia with Tietema's Team

The Unibet Rose Rockets, a professional cycling team founded by YouTube vlogger Bas Tietema, has been granted a wildcard entry into the 2026 Giro d’Italia. This marks a significant milestone for the relatively new team and provides an opportunity to compete alongside established cycling powerhouses.

A Second Chance After the Tour de France

The Giro d’Italia invitation comes as a welcome development for Tietema and his team, following disappointment at not receiving a start invitation for the Tour de France. Tietema acknowledged the setback but expressed optimism about the Giro, viewing it as a platform to demonstrate the team’s capabilities and build towards future participation in the Tour. “The Giro is a beautiful opportunity to show that we have a strong team and are ready for the Tour de France,” he stated.

Did You Know? The Unibet Rose Rockets team was established in 2021, initially as Tour de Tietema Cycling Team, and became a Pro Team – the second tier of international cycling – in 2023.

Groenewegen Eyes Success in Italy

The team’s participation in the Giro is particularly noteworthy due to the presence of sprinter Dylan Groenewegen, a six-time stage winner in the Tour de France between 2017 and 2024. The 109th edition of the Giro, beginning May 8th in Bulgaria and concluding in Rome, features seven flat stages, presenting Groenewegen with prime opportunities for stage victories. Tietema is hopeful that Groenewegen could even contend for the coveted pink jersey, the symbol of the race leader.

Groenewegen previously participated in the Giro d’Italia in 2021, but was forced to withdraw after the thirteenth stage. He recently secured his new team’s first win of 2026 at the Clásica Comunitat Valencia in late January.

Expert Insight: Securing a wildcard entry into a Grand Tour like the Giro d’Italia is a crucial step for a developing team. It provides invaluable exposure, a chance to test their riders against the best in the world, and can attract further sponsorship and investment. The Giro’s route, with its emphasis on sprint stages, strategically aligns with the team’s strengths, particularly those of Dylan Groenewegen.

A Strong Dutch Contingent

Beyond Groenewegen, the Unibet Rose Rockets boast a strong contingent of Dutch riders, including Wout Poels, a former winner of Liège-Bastogne-Liège and a Tour de France stage winner. Hartthijs de Vries, Owen Gelijn, Jelle Johannink, Wessel Mouris, Martijn Rasenberg, and Elmar Reijnders also comprise the team’s roster.

The team’s trajectory reflects Tietema’s own cycling journey, having transitioned from a development team rider to a professional with Bingoal Pauwels Sauces before establishing his own outfit.

What Might Happen Next

If the Unibet Rose Rockets perform well in the Giro d’Italia, it could significantly enhance their reputation and increase their chances of receiving an automatic invitation to future Grand Tours, including the Tour de France. A strong showing by Groenewegen, particularly a stage win or a sustained challenge for the pink jersey, would undoubtedly elevate the team’s profile. Conversely, a challenging race could lead to a reassessment of their strategy and rider selection for future events. The team’s performance in the upcoming Milan-Sanremo and Strade Bianche races could also influence their momentum heading into the Giro.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wildcard entry in cycling?

A wildcard entry is an invitation extended to teams that are not automatically qualified for a race, typically based on their UCI ranking or other criteria. It allows teams outside the top tier to participate in prestigious events like the Giro d’Italia.

Who is Dylan Groenewegen?

Dylan Groenewegen is a 32-year-old Dutch professional road cyclist who currently rides for Unibet Rose Rockets. He is a successful sprinter, having won six stages in the Tour de France between 2017 and 2024.

When and where does the 2026 Giro d’Italia begin?

The 109th edition of the Giro d’Italia begins on May 8th in Nessebar, Bulgaria, and concludes three weeks later in Rome.

What impact will this Giro d’Italia participation have on the future of the Unibet Rose Rockets team?

Dylan Groenewegen to Race Giro d’Italia with Tietema’s Team | Cycling News