Visma | Lease a Bike sign young sports director from Unibet Rose Rockets: "Have to get used to fighting to win the Tour"

Unibet Rose Rockets have been one of the most active teams on the transfer market in recent weeks. After bringing in the likes of Wout Poels and Victor Lafay, the French-Dutch squad now say goodbye to a cornerstone of their staff. Luxembourgish sports director Gaëtan Pons is leaving and stepping up to the WorldTour with Visma | Lease a Bike.

Pons has worked with the team of Bas Tietema since 2024 and quickly became part of the furniture. Under his direction the Rockets won a stage at the Tour of Antalya, while Lukas Kubis rode to fourth overall at the Tour of Denmark this year. At 33, Pons is one of the youngest sports directors in the peloton, but Visma | Lease a Bike are backing his potential and have offered him a role for 2026.  

Pons has worked for Bas Tietema's team since 2024, and soon became an integral part of the structure. Under his leadership, among other things, a stage of the Tour of Antalya, and Lukas Kubis rode to a fourth place in this year's Tour of Denmark. A podium finish in stage 1 even forced the Luxembourg team leader to make a splash in the pool after a bet: it was clear that he fit in with the team.

Only 33 years old, Pons is one of the younger sports directors in the current peloton. On the team website, Head of Racing Grischa Niermann welcomed the signing. “Gaëtan is a young, talented and ambitious sports director. He already has a lot of experience in the car, and we’re happy to have him on board. We look forward to a great future together.”

"I’m really excited to be joining the team" Pons himself added. "I can’t wait to meet everyone. It’s a big new challenge, and I have to get used to fighting to win the Tour de France and not just fighting to get a spot there. But I think that suits me really well, as I always want to win. I love the adrenaline that comes with victory, so hopefully I’ve come to the right team."

"When I met with Grischa Niermann and Jacco Verhaeren, we were quickly aligned. My experience as a rider just below WorldTour level taught me how it feels to be on the bike, which helps when talking with the riders. At the same time, I want to bring a good atmosphere to the team. I always try to bring people together, as I believe they perform better in a safe environment."

Where at Visma | Lease a Bike they say hello, at Unibet Rose Rockets they have to wave goodbye to the Luxembourger. "Our sports director Gaëtan Pons will leave the team for a new adventure in the WorldTour with Team Visma | Lease a Bike", the team said on Instagram. "We’re proud to see him take the next step in his career and grateful for everything he brought to our team."

"Thanks, Ponsi, and good luck with the yellow and black! And remember: always show your balls," concluded the team, referring to the famous words of the sports director.