#Whereiswout? Wout Poels leaves XDS-Astana after one season and ends career with Bas Tietema’s Rockets

In the middle of the night, the Rockets, formerly Unibet Tietema Rockets, dropped another bombshell: Wout Poels will be part of the team in 2026. The 38-year-old climber had an expiring contract with XDS-Astana and will make the move to the Dutch-French ProTour team. Earlier this week, rumors circulated about a transfer, which has now been confirmed.

“Signing Wout is another big step in the evolution of our project,” Tietema said in a press statement. “He is one of the most respected riders in the peloton, someone who knows what it takes to win the biggest races and to build a team around long-term goals. Wout brings leadership, calmness, and experience, which will be invaluable to our young riders in our quest to participate in the Grand Tours.”

With his age, Poels doesn't have much time left, but he's not embarking on a farewell tour. “Wout didn't come here to take it easy. From the first conversation, it was clear that he wanted to go all in, not for a final lap. That mentality fits us perfectly. It paints a clear picture of where we're going, now that we have someone with this experience and hunger on the team.”

Poels himself confirms his ambitions for the coming season. “I'm not here to wind down,” says the former winner of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. “I'm here to give my all for one more full season. I still love racing, I love suffering in the mountains, and I still have that same fire when the road goes uphill. The energy of the Rockets is exactly what I was looking for.”

"I've followed the Rockets' project from the beginning, and I'm hugely impressed by the energy of what they're doing. They've brought something fresh to cycling, and I love the combination of ambition and creativity. It's the perfect environment for me to share my experience, help the younger riders, and chase great results together. I can't wait to do my part and perform in the big races."