As the season draws to a close and teams begin to finalize their rosters for 2026, numerous World Tour riders remain without a contract, including figures capable of leading squads in almost any scenario in professional cycling.
In this context, Unibet Rose Rockets has become one of the most attractive teams on the market, and in recent weeks has been linked to two renowned cyclists: Colombian Fernando Gaviria and Frenchman Clément Venturini.
The first of these is Fernando Gaviria, who, after shining during his golden years with Quick-Step, has had a more subdued period with Movistar Team. The Colombian sprinter, who was once one of the most feared sprinters in the world, has not been offered a new contract by the Spanish team, which has opted for Venezuelan Orluis Aular as its main contender for bunch sprints.
Gaviria, who is still without a team for 2026, faces a decisive moment in his career. At 31, his continued participation in professional cycling is not guaranteed, although he still possesses the potential and experience to be competitive in certain races.
According to journalist Beppe Conti on Rai Sport, three ProTeams are interested in acquiring his services: Unibet Rose Rockets, Cofidis (recently relegated from the World Tour), and Caja Rural – Seguros RGA.
These teams could offer him a less demanding environment, with opportunities for leadership and tactical freedom, allowing him to regain confidence and aspire to new victories away from the pressure of the Grand Tours.
Clément Venturini, another target for Unibet
The second name linked to Unibet Rose Rockets is that of Frenchman Clément Venturini, according to Velo-club.net. The 32-year-old rider was left without a team after the demise of Arkéa – B&B Hotels, a surprising situation considering his track record and versatility. Venturini is one of France’s top cyclocross specialists and the reigning national champion.
Furthermore, his strategic value has increased following the UCI’s recent decision that, starting in 2027, points earned in cyclocross will count towards the road team rankings. This change makes riders like him highly sought-after assets, especially for teams looking to solidify their position in the licensing system.
Despite not achieving major road race results in recent months, Venturini has maintained remarkable consistency, with nine top-10 finishes in French and Belgian classics this season. He is currently hovering near the top 100 in the UCI rankings, a testament to his consistency and experience.
In cyclocross, his performance remains elite: until the 2023 World Championships, he held the fourth position in the international rankings, behind only Mathieu van der Poel, Laurens Sweeck, and Joris Nieuwenhuis.
Unibet Rose Rockets’ growing interest in riders with diverse profiles—from experienced sprinters to cyclocross specialists—reveals an ambitious strategy: to strengthen its roster with established names while simultaneously investing in disciplines that will gain prominence in the new UCI model.
Both Gaviria and Venturini could find in the French team an opportunity to relaunch their careers and contribute experience to a squad aiming to make a competitive leap into the ProTeam category by 2026.