British Paris-Roubaix specialist leaves Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe and becomes new sports director at Unibet Rose Rockets

It has been almost two weeks since Unibet Rose Rockets presented their final two rider signings. With riders numbers 29 and 30 confirmed, the squad for 2026 appeared complete, but the team is not finished announcing new names. This time, the additions come within the team management structure, featuring a familiar face with a past at the team and a highly experienced figure from the WorldTour.

Clément Venturini and Martijn Rasenberg were the final additions to the rider roster. With the French sprinter and the tall Dutchman on board, the racing squad was filled, but team owner Bas Tietema still had room for further reinforcements behind the scenes. Earlier this year, former national rowing coach Eelco Meenhorst and former sprint star Marcel Kittel were already added to the staff, and now two team directors are joining them.

The first is a familiar name to fans of the Franco-Dutch team. Martijn Budding was part of the squad from its foundation in 2023 and delivered the team’s very first victory with his win at the Slag om Woensdrecht. Earlier this year, however, he was forced to step away from both the team and professional cycling due to health issues. At the time of his farewell, the sprinter already indicated that a different role within the organization could be an option.

That next step has now become reality. The 30-year-old from Veenendaal will take a seat in the team car as a directeur sportif. While Budding is still inexperienced in that role, his appointment is balanced by the arrival of a man with a wealth of experience: Roger Hammond. The 51-year-old Brit has been active as a WorldTour team director since 2016. After spells with Dimension Data, Bahrain–McLaren and INEOS Grenadiers, he most recently worked for Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe, where he joined in 2024.

Tietema has now convinced Hammond to step away from the WorldTour after a decade at the highest level. For the Rockets, Hammond represents the ideal appointment. During his own racing career, the Oxford-born Brit was a genuine classics specialist. He finished third at Paris–Roubaix in 2004 and, in 2007, was beaten only by his teammate Marcus Burghardt at Gent–Wevelgem. With major ambitions on the cobbles, the Rockets believe they have found the perfect mentor.

The performance staff is also receiving a boost in other areas. Dagmar Kagie has been announced as a new coach, bringing experience from cycling and triathlon. In addition, nutritionist Noelia Bonfanti has been recruited. Like Meenhorst, she joins from the Dutch rowing federation and previously worked at the Red Bull Athletic Performance Centre.