Wout Poels Parts Ways with Bahrain Victorious After Stellar Week in Italy: “Pogačar Was Done with It”
Wout Poels, the Dutch veteran climber, has officially announced his departure from Bahrain Victorious after a memorable final week in Italy, where he once again showcased his immense talent. In what has been a remarkable end to his time with the team, Poels’ performances have not only been impressive but have also sparked a notable rivalry with none other than Tadej Pogačar, who Poels claimed was “fed up” with his relentless racing during the final Italian classics.
The Final Week in Italy: A Memorable Farewell
Poels’ final days with Bahrain Victorious will likely be remembered for the series of exceptional rides he delivered during the Italian autumn classics, particularly during the Giro dell’Emilia, Tre Valli Varesine, and Il Lombardia. Known for his ability to thrive in the mountains and on tough terrain, Poels came into the Italian races in peak form, ready to leave his mark before his departure from the team.
During the Giro dell’Emilia, Poels was part of an elite group that fought for victory on the punishing slopes of the San Luca climb, putting himself in contention against top names like Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar. Although he did not take the win, his determination and tactical awareness shone through, making it clear that he wasn’t simply riding out the end of his contract—he was there to compete at the highest level.
The next few races saw Poels continue his strong form, working with and against some of the biggest stars in the peloton. His performance in Tre Valli Varesine was yet another display of his tactical acumen and endurance, as he played a critical role in shaping the race. But it was during the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia, where Poels truly left his mark. Poels fought valiantly on the iconic climbs of the race, battling with the best climbers in the world, including Pogačar, Roglič, and other top contenders. Though he didn’t win, his effort and resilience in one of cycling’s most prestigious races was a fitting conclusion to his time with Bahrain Victorious.
Rivalry with Pogačar: “He Was Fed Up”
One of the most intriguing aspects of Poels’ final races with Bahrain Victorious was his ongoing rivalry with two-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar. Poels and Pogačar have often found themselves on opposite sides of battles in the mountains, but during this final week in Italy, their competition seemed to reach new heights.
In the closing kilometers of Il Lombardia, Poels and Pogačar were both vying for position in the leading group, with neither willing to back down. Poels, showing his veteran savvy and strength, managed to stay with Pogačar through the toughest sections of the race. At times, Poels even launched small attacks, testing Pogačar’s limits and trying to shake up the race dynamics.
After the race, Poels commented on the intensity of their rivalry during the final classics. “Pogačar was fed up with it,” Poels said with a smile, referencing the moments when the two clashed repeatedly during the last week. “He’s a phenomenal rider, and it’s always a challenge to compete with him, but I think I managed to frustrate him a bit in those final races.”
Although the banter was good-natured, it was clear that Poels had enjoyed pushing Pogačar to his limits. “It’s not often you get to go head-to-head with someone of Pogačar’s caliber, so to be able to hold my own in those moments was really satisfying,” Poels added. “But I could tell he wasn’t happy with how hard I was making him work. That’s part of racing.”
‘ Legacy with Bahrain Victorious
Wout Poels joined Bahrain Victorious in 2020, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his years at teams like Team Sky and Team Ineos, where he had played a key role in several Tour de France victories as a super-domestique. With Bahrain, Poels transitioned into more of a leadership role, particularly in the mountains, and had numerous strong performances in Grand Tours and classics during his tenure with the team.
One of the highlights of Poels’ time with Bahrain Victorious came in 2021, when he finished sixth in the general classification of the Vuelta a España, a testament to his consistency and climbing prowess. His ability to challenge in stage races and support his teammates, while also delivering individual results, made him an integral part of the team’s successes over the years.
Poels’ time with Bahrain Victorious has also been marked by his versatility. While he is known as a climber, he has consistently performed in a variety of races, from hilly classics to stage races, showing that he is much more than just a pure mountain goat. His departure from Bahrain marks the end of an era, but also opens the door for new challenges in the next phase of his career.
What’s Next for Poels?
As Poels prepares to leave Bahrain Victorious, the question on everyone’s mind is: what comes next for the Dutchman? At 36, Poels remains one of the most experienced and respected riders in the peloton, and while he may not be in the prime of his career, he has shown in this final week in Italy that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level of the sport.
Rumors have circulated that Poels may join a team where he can continue to focus on the classics and possibly support a younger generation of riders in Grand Tours. Whatever his next step may be, it’s clear that Poels is not ready to hang up his wheels just yet.
Reflecting on his future, Poels remained optimistic and excited about what lies ahead. “I still feel good on the bike, and I’m not done racing yet,” he said. “There’s always something new to learn in this sport, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the next chapter takes me.”
A Farewell to Bahrain, but Not to the Sport
Wout Poels’ departure from Bahrain Victorious marks the end of a successful chapter in his career, but it is by no means the end of his journey in professional cycling. After a stellar final week in Italy, capped by fierce competition with Tadej Pogačar, Poels leaves Bahrain Victorious with his head held high, ready for whatever challenges the future may bring.
As he bids farewell to Bahrain, fans and teammates alike will remember Poels for his tireless work ethic, his tactical intelligence, and his ability to perform on the biggest stages. And while Pogačar may have been “fed up” with him in those final races, the cycling world is far from done with Wout Poels.
