Rohan Dennis says he moved to Jumbo-Visma because Ineos Grenadiers were copying 'a lot of stuff' from Dutch team
Australian time-trialist will be part of Jumbo-Visma's Tour de France squad
![Rohan Dennis](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XUoR8Ux9p9KKNWbFBRptQJ-415-80.jpg)
Rohan Dennis has said that he moved to Jumbo-Visma from Ineos Grenadiers because his former team were “copying Jumbo with a lot of stuff”.
The time-trialist, who was speaking via a video message to the Jumbo-Visma team presentation on Tuesday, said that his new squad was technically better.
"There's a lot of things that the team is doing really well." Dennis said. "I noticed when I was with Ineos that they were copying Jumbo with a lot of stuff. And I thought: Well, why would I want to be in a team that is copying a team on the other side of the fence?
"Why not go join that team and be on the front foot, not the back foot. So basically I want to move here because technically it is a better team. It looks like a great structure.”
>>> Grace Brown and Rohan Dennis win Australian time trial titles
The double world time-trial champion has signed a two-year contract with the Dutch super team after spending a couple of years with Ineos, during which time he won two WorldTour time trials and acted as a super-domestique. He notably helped Tao Geoghegan Hart to Giro d’Italia victory in 2020.
He explained that he was looking forward to being at the “leading” team in the world, but that it would also be a bit like coming home.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"I'm also coming back to semi-where I started, back when I was with Rabobank in 2011,” Dennis said.
“It's slightly different, that was a Conti team, so a lot different. But I think it's a nice move and I'm really excited about it. In the sport, there's usually one or two teams that are really pushing to find the one or half a per cent and at the moment the team leading that is Jumbo.”
He will be a part of Jumbo-Visma’s Tour de France squad along with Primož Roglič, Jonas Vingegaard, Sepp Kuss, Steven Kruijswijk and Wout van Aert.
He has been described as "dream asset” by team director Merijn Zeeman, and looks to step into the role left by the retiring Tony Martin, but can also offer so much more.
On this description, Dennis said that he was ready to keep performing and aims to be one of the best riders in the world.
"There's a bit of pressure when you get a label. It's not pressure I don't like, it makes me realise my importance in the team," he explained.
"It's not just coming here and having fun. You're here to do a job, you're here to keep performing and that's what I like to do. It's one of those things that I've worked my whole professional career and even before, to get to this point. It's always been a goal to be one of the best riders in the world.”
He has not raced the Tour de France since 2019, when he left partway through while riding for Bahrain-Merida, but appeared motivated to do well on the biggest stage again.
The South Australian has won time trials at both the Giro and the Vuelta a España, so the Tour is the only gap in his palmáres.
"The big goal for me in the team is to do the Tour de France," he said directly. "It's a huge race, it is a circus and I really want to be part of a team that is potentially going to win.
"I'll try and help the team beat old mate Tadej [Pogačar]. I like him but he is the enemy."
On Wednesday, Dennis secured his first victory in Jumbo-Visma colours as he won the Australian national time trial championships for the fourth time.
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
Adam is Cycling Weekly’s news editor – his greatest love is road racing but as long as he is cycling on tarmac, he's happy. Before joining Cycling Weekly he spent two years writing for Procycling, where he interviewed riders and wrote about racing. He's usually out and about on the roads of Bristol and its surrounds. Before cycling took over his professional life, he covered ecclesiastical matters at the world’s largest Anglican newspaper and politics at Business Insider. Don't ask how that is related to cycling.
-
Tadej Pogačar broke 288 Strava KOMs during Tour de France victory
Slovenian won his third Tour title in Nice last weekend, and picked up a host of new trophies on Strava
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I'm definitely pushing over 2,500 watts' - Meet the most powerful cyclists in the GB Olympics squad
Move over track sprinters, there are stronger legs in town
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Coppi, Pantani, Van Vleuten, Pogačar: A look at the Giro-Tour double winners club
Tadej Pogačar has now officially joined the club, becoming the eighth man to achieve one of professional cycling’s most sought after accolades
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
How do Tour de France time cuts work?
Any riders finishing too far behind are eliminated from the race - we look into the details of the complicated system
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
Tour de France Netflix series confirmed for third season
Unchained series renewed with upcoming season to cover 2024 Tour
By Tom Davidson Published
-
13 things you didn’t know about Biniam Girmay, the first Black rider to win a Tour de France stage
Meet the Eritrean rider making history with three Tour de France stage wins to his name and wearing the green jersey
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
12 things you didn’t know about American Matteo Jorgenson, Vingegaard's lieutenant at the Tour
The Team Visma-Lease a Bike rider is one of just three Americans riding in the Tour de France this year but he's got a lot of responsibility
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
'There's always wine' - Marc Madiot offers unique dinner experience for fans at Tour de France
Ever wanted to share a bottle of wine with Groupama-FDJ's manager? Now's your chance
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tour de France 2024 tech: New superbikes, unreleased wheels and aero bottles
There's fresh tech everywhere in the team paddocks of the biggest bike race in the world
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jan Hirt breaks teeth after fans invade team paddock at Tour de France
Soudal Quick-Step rider starts stage despite bloody injury
By Tom Davidson Published