Bas Tietema changes role at Unibet Rose Rockets as team prepares for next phase
Bas Tietema will step away from his sporting duties at Unibet Rose Rockets as the team makes changes to its management structure ahead of 2027. The Dutchman, who founded the team in 2023, will shift his focus to partnerships, media and promoting the team, leaving sporting decisions to the team's increasingly experienced staff.
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Tietema has been involved in the sporting side of the Rockets since their inception, initially taking on responsibilities as an assistant sports director. As a former professional cyclist, he was closely involved in racing decisions during the team's early years, but that role has diminished as the organisation has expanded.
Speaking to WielerFlits at Il Lombardia, Tietema explained that the decision reflects the need for a clearer division of responsibilities.
"We need to divide responsibilities more effectively if we want to continue growing as a team," he said. "I don't see this as a step backwards, but as a step forwards."
The transition has already been underway for some time, with Tietema acknowledging that he has had little involvement in the team's race plans during the 2026 season.
"I was already barely involved in the team's race plans over the past year," he said.
His attention will now turn primarily to the commercial and public-facing side of the Rockets, including maintaining sponsor relationships, working with the media and raising the team's profile.
The move follows a series of appointments to the sporting department. Rob Harmeling has been joined by former professional riders Roger Hammond and Marcel Kittel.
From YouTube project to established ProTeam
The change comes less than four years after the Rockets entered professional cycling, having grown out of the Tour de Tietema YouTube channel.
The team made its debut at continental level in 2023 before stepping up to ProTeam status the following season. Its ambitions have since been reflected in the calibre of riders it has attracted, with Grand Tour stage winners Dylan Groenewegen and Wout Poels both joining for 2026.
That recruitment has been accompanied by a growing emphasis on experienced staff behind the scenes, leaving Tietema with fewer direct responsibilities on the sporting side.
The change also puts greater emphasis on the work that first brought the Rockets to prominence. In an interview with Domestique in December 2025, Tietema spoke about his ambition to build a team with an identity that extends beyond results.
"Our goal isn't just to reach the WorldTour," he said. "It's to build the biggest fanbase in cycling."
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