Marcel Kittel, a legendary Tour de France stage winner, is making a bold move for the 2026 season. He's not just returning to the sport, but doing so with a unique twist - as a sprint coach for the ambitious Unibet Rose Rockets team. With an impressive record of 19 Grand Tour stage wins and 89 pro victories, Kittel aims to go beyond just sprinting, focusing on coaching the entire team and building a professional sports structure.
In an exclusive interview with NOS, Kittel shared his excitement, saying, "I'm making a comeback of sorts with Unibet Rose Rockets. I'll be their sprint expert, and I'm thrilled to be part of this team." He emphasized the team's focus on sprints, but also their commitment to coaching and structure, aiming to elevate their game to WorldTour level.
What's intriguing is how this team, which started from humble beginnings on YouTube, has grown organically. Kittel's arrival was announced on their social media channels, a testament to their modern approach.
For the upcoming season, the team has secured a German bike brand, Rose, as their title sponsor, and they've made some impressive signings. Climbers Wout Poels and Victor Lafay, both Tour de France stage winners, are set to join, boosting the team's Grand Tour ambitions.
Kittel explained, "We'll work with Dylan to identify areas for improvement. It's a crucial process for the team's development and preparation for WorldTour races like the Tour de France."
He added, "It won't be easy; top-level sport is challenging. Many things can go wrong, and losses are common. But the victories are incredibly valuable and make it all worthwhile."
This comeback story is an inspiring one, and it will be fascinating to see how Kittel's expertise shapes the team's future. What do you think? Will Kittel's guidance take the Unibet Rose Rockets to new heights? Share your thoughts in the comments!
