No Grand Tour leadership for Wout Poels in 2017
Froome's chief lieutenant will take a supporting role again next season
Wout Poels has made himself a valuable member of Team Sky over the last couple of the years, not only for his domestique work in service of Chris Froome at the Tour de France, but also for picking up the team's first Monument victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
However, despite that, Poels looks unlikely to be given a chance to lead the team at a Grand Tour in 2017, with the Dutchman telling NOS.nl that he still hadn't asked for a leadership role.
"I would have asked for it, but unfortunately no," he said. "That's the only downside for riding for a big team like Sky."
Watch: Giro d'Italia 2017 essential guide
Before the 2016 season, Poels said that he was willing to give "one more year" in support of Chris Froome, before turning his attention to pursuing his personal ambitions.
The expectation was that the 29-year-old, who recently signed a new three year contract, would be given leadership of the team at the Giro d'Italia, although that role could now go to Geraint Thomas.
As was the case in 2016, Poels will start his season at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, but will then ride Paris-Nice instead of Tirreno-Adriatico as he prepares to defend his Liège-Bastogne-Liège title.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
From there Poels's says that his race programme is still to be decided, although given his performances in previous years, his place in the Team Sky Tour de France squad should be assured.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Among market turmoil, Colnago boasts €55 million in sales: CEO shares the brand’s secret
Colnago’s growth has tripled since the brand’s acquisition by new majority stakeholders in 2020 and seems impervious to the downturn. Here's why.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Why e-bike torque numbers matter more than you think
You should choose an e-bike based on torque, not just power
By Paul Norman Published
-
'It was time to change': No regrets for Rod Ellingworth after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
New Tour of Britain race director says he is still on good terms with Dave Brailsford after resigning from team last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I’m just here to enjoy it': Tom Pidcock on his surprise Paris-Roubaix appearance
British rider was a late addition to the Ineos Grenadiers team for the race across the pavé
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The art of peaking with Geraint Thomas: 'It’s easy to take for granted that 9 times out of 10 I hit my goals'
The Welshman also calls for better governance in the sport to help it grow further
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman; why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This is so much more than a number': Six of the best Ineos Grenadiers wins as team claims 500th race victory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot took the 500th team win at the weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers delighted with Egan Bernal’s late cameo on stage one of Paris-Nice
Colombian snapped up key bonus seconds in the general classification battle on run in to Les Mureaux
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘It doesn’t change anything’ - Tom Pidcock’s coach on Tadej Pogačar at Strade Bianche
Kurt Bogaerts says the pressure is off for Pidcock as he looks to defend the title he emphatically won last year
By Tom Thewlis Published