‘Brennan, Magnier, Del Grosso’ – Roodhooft brothers put full trust in their protégé

Philip Roodhooft does not hide that 2025 felt like a complete season. “We had a good year. Each season, we set a few clear targets. Deliver in the spring classics, make an impact at the Tour. And in 2025, we managed to do it again,” he said, speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws.

Christoph highlights the opening Tour stage as the moment that captured their identity best. “As a team, we turned that final hour to our advantage. To win that sprint in Lille, with so many contenders awake around us, was special.”

Where does their success come from? Christoph describes it as a balance rather than a blueprint. “We expect a lot, but we also let things run a bit. Maybe that is our biggest strength,” he said. They accept defeat when it comes, they keep the environment light, and they avoid over-controlling riders. 

Philip sees it differently, but complementary. “There is something standing here now. A structure built on automatisms where everyone lifts each other. You cannot allow yourself to let things slip.”

Their dynamic as brothers helps more than it hurts. “Things solve themselves quickly when it really matters. Maybe that is easier between brothers,” Christoph said. They know each other’s habits to the point where nothing surprises them anymore. 

Philip laughs at the idea that they ever need to disconnect. “Of course, not everything is perfect, but that doesn’t mean you have to switch off from each other.”

The team’s future remains a constant talking point, especially with Deceuninck leaving as a co-sponsor. Philip stays calm. “If you keep doing the right things long enough, results follow.” Christoph adds that a cycling team is a business. “If the foundation is not strong enough, you have a problem. We are occupied with the future because we have to be.”

Both insist the supposed mass exodus this winter is overstated. Christoph is blunt. “We feel we came out of the transfer period stronger. Cheaper and stronger.” Philip points out that the loss of Edward Planckaert would have been the biggest sporting blow, but they managed to keep him. 

They see the departures as a compliment. “They are riders we helped grow. Others benefit from that. That is how the sport works,” Christoph said.

Where they agree most is on one rider. Tibor del Grosso. “Brennan, Magnier… he belongs in that row,” Philip said. Christoph expands on that. “Look for riders of that level at that age in the peloton. There are not many.” For the Roodhooft brothers, he is not just another talent. He is the one they have placed their trust in.