Bahrain Merida (open in new tab) has decided to add Wout Poels (open in new tab) for 2020. The Dutchman will replace his support role in Team Ineos (open in new tab) and will take on a leadership role in Bahrain Merida alongside Mikkel Landa, who joins the team from Movistar.

Vincenzo Nibali moves from Bahrain-Merida to Trek-Segafredo, while Rohan Dennis' future with the team remains undecided after he abruptly quit the Tour de France.

Bahrain-Merida confirmed that Poels will be reunited with new team manager Rod Ellingworth, who officially left Team Sky on October 1.

In announcing Poels' arrival and multi-year deal, Bahrain Merida said that the McLaren Group's 50 percent ownership of the team would allow the team to "spark imagination and interest, challenge the traditional boundaries of professional cycling and inspire riders, fans and partners." [Emphasis added. [The Bahrain Merida Team and McLaren are controlled by Mumtalakat Holding Company, a sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Bahrain Merida Team and McLaren are controlled by Mumtalakat Holding Company, a sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain,

and the Bahrain Merida Team and McLaren are controlled by Mumtalakat Holding Company, a sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

"McLaren brings a fresh perspective to the sport that encompasses equipment, human performance, data analysis, and operational excellence. The application of their knowledge and technology will undoubtedly move the team forward. It's a fascinating prospect, not only for me, but for the sport as a whole."

"Coupled with Rod Ellingworth's expertise, McLaren's participation promises to make Bahrain-Merida one of the most attractive and best teams in the peloton.

Poels, 31, won Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2016 and has stage wins at the Criterium du Dauphiné, Tirreno-Adriatico, and Tour of Britain. He has won 14 Grand Tours and once contributed to Chris Froome's victory. Poels will likely share team leadership with Landa in the Grand Tours and with Dylan Tuns in the Ardennes Classics.

The 2020 Bahrain-Merida roster currently includes Matej Mohoric, Heinrich Haussler, Damiano Caruso, and Ivan Garcia Cortina.

"It is great to have Wout on the team. He has always been at the top of his game and has been successful, he is one of the shining lights in professional cycling, and we are very excited to have him on the team," said Brent Copeland, manager of Bahrain-Merida.

." His wealth of experience will be invaluable as we build on an exciting new chapter for the team in partnership with McLaren."