Team Sunweb's Ivan Spekenbrink is confident that his team can compete for the top spots in future Grand Tours. Over the past decade, Spekenbrink has transformed the men's team from Pro Continental to one of the most consistent and successful teams in the World Tour today. He also oversaw the growth of the women's program, which finished 2019 as the second-ranked team in the world, developed the U23 roster, and made sure the entire organization followed MPCC guidelines. This is a portfolio few other teams have. However, the loss of Tom Dumoulin to rival Jumbo Visma created a void for Sunweb heading into 2020.

While Spekenbrink is hoping that a player like Michael Matthews will step up and provide consistent wins, Spekenbrink is also looking at a number of young talents the team has signed for the future. A total of 10 riders have joined the team for next year, including Tiesj Benut, Jascha Stalin, and Nico Denz. The team was also bolstered by Alberto Dainese, Mark Donovan, Nils Ehov, Martin Salmon, and Timen Aresman.

"We don't have a number one sprinter, but we have riders like Kanter, Dainese, Boll, Ehoff, and even Krav Andersen and Arndt," Spekenbrink told Cycling News at Sunweb's team presentation in Amsterdam

When Dumoulin informed the team that he wanted to break his contract and leave the team, his options on the transfer market were limited. This forced Spekenbrink to choose between rushing to sign a contract or putting his faith in youth recruitment.

"Let us not forget that when we succeeded with Marcel Kittel, Tom Dumoulin was part of that team and project for three years. Preferably, he would be a strong support player, but also a leader when he gets a little older. That way we can secure the present and the future. As a result of our scouting over the last few years, we have attracted some great talent. It's an ongoing process.

In 2020, the team will focus on sprints, classics, and a top-10 contender in the Grand Tours with Wilco Kelderman and Sam Omen. Riders such as Marc Hirschi, Chad Hagan, and Robert Power will also be given a great deal of responsibility. However, Spekenbrink may step into the market next year if the right opportunities and leading riders are signed.

"If we had the opportunity to acquire someone for 2021, we would. We did that with Michael Matthews, and we also acquired Wilco, who has a top 10 finish. The younger riders need a little time, but they are really special."

"Then there is the dream of the Grand Tour, which began in 2017. We have made a lot of progress and that dream is very much alive. With a rider like Wilco, we could have a very good GC, but it is not fair to expect them to win a Grand Tour. That is not a realistic option, but the riders behind them and the recruits have the foundation for the future. They just need a little more time."