'We have two shots left to achieve our Mission Giro' - Unibet Rose Rockets target Milan and Rome sprints with Dylan Groenewegen

Dylan Groenewegen and his Unibet Rose Rockets team have set their sights firmly on winning a bunch sprint at the Giro d’Italia, with two crucial opportunities remaining: the penultimate stage in central Milan and the final stage in Rome. Having successfully navigated the challenging Pila mountain stage, the team’s focus is now on capitalising on these sprint stages. Team owner Bas Tietema emphasised that surviving the mountains was essential to their sprint ambitions and praised teammate Wout Poels for his aggressive breakaway efforts, which have kept the team visible and competitive throughout the race. Unibet Rose Rockets, a wildcard entry at this year’s Giro after missing out on the Tour de France, have gained attention not only for their results but also for their innovative and fan-friendly approach to media coverage. Groenewegen has already secured four sprint victories this season, including a win at the Ronde Van Brugge WorldTour race, signalling the team’s growing prowess in fast finishes. Their strong performances have put them on course to earn automatic invitations to all WorldTour races in 2027, including the Tour de France, highlighting the team’s rapid rise in professional cycling. Despite some setbacks, such as a late crash on the opening stage and a near-miss on the cobbled finish to Naples, Unibet have demonstrated strong leadout capabilities, which Tietema hopes to replicate in Milan and Rome. The team’s ability to control the peloton and position Groenewegen for sprints against some of the sport’s best squads has been a standout feature of their Giro campaign. Tietema remains optimistic about their chances, noting that the team still has a full roster in the race and is eager to seize their remaining opportunities to achieve what they call their "Mission Giro." The Giro also represents a steep learning curve for Unibet, marking their first experience of a three-week Grand Tour. Tietema reflected on the challenges and growth the team has experienced, highlighting not only their competitive performances but also the global fan engagement they have generated through daily video content. Their innovative approach has attracted a diverse international following, including a notable surge of support from Brazil, underscoring the increasing global reach of the sport and the team’s unique position within it. Looking ahead, the Unibet Rose Rockets are determined to deliver on their sprint ambitions in the closing stages of the Giro d’Italia. With Groenewegen’s speed and the team’s cohesive leadout strategy, they aim to challenge the established sprinting hierarchy and secure a memorable victory in two of the race’s most prestigious finales. Their progress this season suggests they are well placed to continue making an impact on the WorldTour circuit in the years to come.