Unibet Rose Rockets adds French 'hitchhiker' to squad and once again amuses with hilarious announcement clip

Rider number 29 is in! Unibet Rose Rockets have added another rider to their 2026 roster in mid-December. The French–Dutch team have signed Clément Venturini, who was more than happy to say yes to the project. The French sprinter was forced to look for a new team after Arkéa–B&B Hotels ceased to exist.

The 32-year-old Venturini turned professional in 2014 with Cofidis. While never a prolific winner, the Frenchman consistently collected a solid number of points thanks to his profile as a fast finisher who can also climb well. After three seasons with the French team, he opted for a new challenge at AG2R La Mondiale, where he delivered some strong results. In 2020, Venturini made his Tour de France debut, leaving a very positive impression with a fifth place in stage eleven.

In 2024, he made the move to Arkéa–B&B Hotels, where he became one of the team’s main point scorers. Venturini was regularly at the front in smaller stage races and one-day events. When the French squad disappeared from the peloton, however, the sprinter suddenly found himself searching for a new team. That process proved surprisingly difficult, but Unibet Rose Rockets have now provided him with a way out.

As has become tradition, the arrival of the experienced Frenchman was announced in a playful way. Venturini appears as a hitchhiker by the roadside, holding a sign that reads: “I need a lift, and a team: I can sprint, climb and navigate.” When everyone keeps driving past, he tries a different approach. “UCI points included,” he writes on the cardboard instead. Moments later, the Rockets’ car screeches to a halt in front of him.

“Do you need a lift, or a lift-off?” asks co-owner Josse Wester. And so it happens: Venturini climbs into the Rockets car and signs a contract running until the end of 2026. He becomes the 14th incoming transfer for the team led by Bas Tietema. With riders such as Dylan Groenewegen, Wout Poels and Victor Lafay, the squad has already amassed a total of ten Grand Tour stage wins.

Tietema is delighted to have secured a rider with such a strong reputation in the peloton. "Winning the Coupe de France, multiple national titles and his years at the top level speak for themselves," the Dutchman said in a press release. "But what impressed us most is Clément’s all-round skill set and versatility. He’s a complete rider and a true professional who brings quality in every aspect of racing."

Venturini himself is also eager to begin his new adventure. “I’m really happy to join the Unibet Rose Rockets. The project is very appealing: it’s ambitious, fun and full of energy. I feel that this team dares to race and dares to be different, and that suits me perfectly. I want to bring my experience, fight for results and help the team grow on the road." For that reason, Venturini will not compete in cyclo-cross this winter, despite being a seven-time French champion.