In a move that’s sure to shake up the sprinting scene, Jayco-AlUla has just signed Pascal Ackermann to replace Dylan Groenewegen in their 2026 lineup—but here’s where it gets controversial: can Ackermann truly fill the shoes of a sprinter like Groenewegen? Following Groenewegen’s departure to Unibet Rose Rockets for the upcoming season, Jayco-AlUla has wasted no time in bolstering their sprint roster with Ackermann, who joins the team on a two-year contract. This strategic signing comes as no surprise, given Ackermann’s impressive track record: the German sprinter boasts 45 professional victories since 2013, including three Giro d’Italia stages and two Vuelta a España wins. But this is the part most people miss—Ackermann’s consistency across various terrains, from the flat sprints of the Tour de Pologne to the grueling points classification he secured at the 2019 Giro, makes him a versatile asset. At 32 (as of January), he’s not the youngest in the peloton, but his recent performances, like his 2025 Classique Dunkerque win and top-10 finishes in Tour de France sprints, prove he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Ackermann himself expressed his excitement, calling Jayco-AlUla his ‘dream team’ and vowing to chase more victories in 2026. Team General Manager Brent Copeland echoed this enthusiasm, praising Ackermann’s ability to win at the highest level and his seamless fit into the team’s leadout train. But here’s the question: with a lineup already featuring sprint heavyweights like Luka Mezgec, Jasha Sütterlin, and Michael Matthews, will Ackermann’s addition create harmony or competition? And can he truly elevate Jayco-AlUla back to the top? Only time will tell—but one thing’s for sure, the sprinting battles of 2026 just got a whole lot more interesting. What do you think? Is Ackermann the missing piece Jayco-AlUla needs, or is this a risky move? Let us know in the comments!
