Rockets aim for top result with Groenewegen in Kuurne: "Like a young dog, so eager"

Unibet Rose Rockets handled the first part of the opening weekend well with a twelfth place for Matyas Kopecky in the Omloop, but they are aiming a bit higher on Sunday with Dylan Groenewegen, who according to team director Rob Harmeling is extremely motivated.

"The guys are just at their peak," Harmeling states clearly. "We can clearly see how the classics squad and the sprint team motivate each other. I notice Dylan is so eager to perform, he’s like a young dog. It’s really fantastic to see."

"He even wants to match and make up for Matyas’ results, that’s how he feels. There’s truly a great vibe and I’m happy to be part of it. The atmosphere and vibe are very similar to the 2022/2023 season. The approach and experience remain exactly the same. My wish is for that to continue."

Kopecky as a bright spot
Harmeling also had kind words for new recruit Matyas Kopecky after the Omloop in Ninove. The team had a plan to improve on Lukas Kubis’ sixth place from the previous year, but he crashed twice. This forced Kopecky to step in.

"He simply finishes twelfth in a grueling race that didn’t stop for the last seventy kilometers. For such a young rider, this is a personal victory doing it in the WorldTour. It leaves a taste for more. He’s new to the team, but we never had to onboard him. He has always kept an eye on Tomas, and that makes the difference."

"Physically, the guys didn’t get worn out. We handled all the challenges well, and Matyas was right there on the Muur. All in all, we’re doing well," he concludes.