Surprise move: Wout Poels leaves Bahrain Victorious for Vinokourov's Astana Qazaqstan Team

In unexpected transfer news, Wout Poels will be moving from Bahrain Victorious to Astana Qazaqstan Team next year, as announced on Monday morning by his future team, where he has signed a one-year contract.

However, the transfer of the 36-year-old climber is not entirely surprising. After having already won stages in both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, Poels aimed to complete the illustrious trilogy by winning a stage in the Giro d'Italia this year. The always cheerful rider from Limburg was disappointed when he was not selected for the Giro.

Can Poels join the illustrious trilogy club?

At Astana Qazaqstan Team, led by team manager Alexander Vinokourov, Poels could become one of the team's leaders. With Mark Cavendish likely to retire and Alexey Lutsenko set to leave for Israel-Premier Tech, Poels may take on a more prominent role. "Next year, I want to show the best of myself," Poels said in a statement on the Astana team website.

"I still have one cycling dream left, and that's to win a stage in the Giro," Poels emphasized once again. "That would put me on the list of riders who have won at least one stage in all three grand tours. That's what I'm hoping for. But of course, the team's goals come first. I'm looking forward to joining them. Plus, with Cees Bol and Ide Schelling, there are a few other Dutch guys on the team. It will be fun to race together."

"Wout is a strong rider who can race as a domestique but also fits into our strategy as a leader," said Vinokourov, clearly impressed with the Dutchman. "He often competes for victories and podium places in important stage races. Wout is truly an asset, especially in the mountains and in week-long stage races. I believe that in our team, Poels will have a great opportunity to prove himself and achieve his goals." Good luck, Wout!