Dylan Groenewegen strikes immediately for Unibet Rose Rockets: "This is a great start"

That’s how you make a great first impression: Dylan Groenewegen rode his first race for Unibet Rose Rockets on Sunday and immediately delivered a victory for his new team. In the Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana-Gran Premi València (1.1), the Dutchman was the fastest in the sprint following a strong collective performance from the Unibet squad.

"It’s always nice to start the season like this with a new team," Groenewegen began his account after the podium ceremony. "I think we rode very well. The opening phase was tough (with plenty of elevation, editor’s note), but we managed to stay in contention."

At the Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana, sprinters usually have the upper hand, but this year the tricky wind added an extra dimension. With about thirty kilometers to go, multiple teams saw a prime opportunity to shake things up. The peloton shattered into several echelons. A front group of seventeen riders remained at the front.

Unibet Rose Rockets was represented with no fewer than four riders, including sprint leader Groenewegen, Elmar Reinders, Rory Townsend, and Karsten Larsen Feldmann. The speedy Dutchman benefited from an excellent lead-out. "The team ultimately positioned me perfectly on the front for the sprint," said Groenewegen.