After a long transfer silence, Picnic PostNL unveils three new signings: Strengthening the core around Onley and Poole

The team had already announced a few transfers for the development team, but with the arrival of Dillon Corkery, James Knox, and Oliver Peace, the elite squad is now also nicely reinforced. Peace is transferring from the Picnic PostNL development team, while Irishman Corkery rode for the continental St Michel - Preference Home - Auber 93. Knox is transferring from Soudal Quick-Step.

Corkery is 26, but only really made his mark on the professional scene this year. Among other things, he finished 6th in the GP Denain, won by Matthew Brennan. “I’ve always wanted to be part of a team that combines professionalism with the freedom to grow, and Team Picnic PostNL felt like the perfect fit. I’m especially excited to play a role in races I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid, like the Classics and maybe even a Grand Tour.”

On the website of his new team, the unknown Irishman introduces himself to the general public. “I would describe myself as a punchy rider who loves a fast finish and can support our sprinters when it counts. My goal is to contribute to a winning environment and keep that momentum going throughout the season.”

“Dillon is a rider who has developed a little later, but his instincts for positioning and timing in a sprint are exceptional,” says head coach Rudi Kemna. “He immediately strengthens our Classics and lead-out group. We believe he has the raw qualities to become a key part of our sprint train while we help him explore the harder one-day races and discover exactly where his strengths can shine. Bringing him into our system gives us a rider who is hungry to prove himself and who will add depth and reliability to our fast-finishing squad”

Knox is the most experienced of the three. “What drew me to Team Picnic PostNL is the opportunity to join a team with a proven track record at the highest level, and to work with talented young riders like fellow Brits, Oscar Onley and Max Poole. I’m excited to become part of a strong team culture and contribute to its continued success.”

“I would describe myself as an experienced and reliable rider in stage races and Grand Tours, someone who has been part of big victories and is eager to do so again with Team Picnic PostNL. My goal is always to achieve the best possible results in the biggest races, and on the bike, I bring strong support and consistency, while off the bike I aim to be a positive, motivating presence within the team.”

“James adds the experienced climbing support that every GC team needs,” explains Kemna. " He has shown year after year that he can deliver in the mountains, and we see an opportunity to help him rediscover fresh motivation and reach an even higher level. Our ambition is to guide him so that he can go deeper into the finales of the toughest stages and become an even more decisive presence for our finishers like Max and Oscar."

Peace is 20, but is already making the move to the WorldTour team. “I’ve really enjoyed my first two years with the Development program, and the opportunities I’ve had with the WorldTour squad have been valuable. The belief the coaches and team have had in me has given me a lot of confidence. From the very beginning, I’ve felt really comfortable in this environment and I’ve already made a lot of great memories with the team.”

Peace's brother, Matthew, has recently joined the development team. “Tour of the Alps last year was also a fun week, but my favorite memory so far must be riding on home roads at the Tour of Britain last year,” says the 20-year-old Brit. “Looking ahead I just want to continue developing with the team and really find my feet at WorldTour level; contribute to the team as much as possible while also learning as much as I can from the more experienced guys.”

Kemna sees Peace as an important force for the future, with a view to classification work. “Oliver’s progression through our Development program has been outstanding, and he now fully deserves this next step into the Men’s program. He is gifted both in climbing and time trialling, a combination that gives him the tools to grow into a GC rider over the coming years.”