It's an ambition that's hardly concealed in the heart of Wout Poels. Having arrived at the start of this Giro d'Italia (the fifth of his career) with a victory at the Tour de France and one at the Vuelta España already in his pocket, the veteran Dutch rider would not want to miss the opportunity to enter, thanks to a success by May 31st, the exclusive club of stage winners in all three Grand Tours of the calendar.

For the thirty-eight-year-old from Venray, theoretically in his final season as a professional, reaching such a milestone would likely mean putting the cherry on top of a career decidedly rich in beautiful moments in which, both personally and in support of his captains, he has managed on several occasions to taste the sweet flavor of victory.

The latest, in chronological order, could materialize in the coming days when, wearing the jersey of the spirited Unibet Rose Rockets, by finding the right breakaway and putting himself in a position to fight for his twenty-seventh professional win, he could achieve a result of considerable significance given that, in addition to allowing him to complete the coveted trilogy, it would at the same time make him the oldest ever stage winner in the history of the Giro d'Italia.

What a victory here would mean for a rider like you?

Having stage wins in all 3 GTs at the end of my career would be really nice so that's a big goal.

You’re used to getting better as far as race goes: according to your feelings now, do you think that might happen again this time or not?

I hope so. Of course every year I get a little bit older but I think the shape is really well. The first week went really good, on Wednesday I had also a good feeling so I'm really looking forward to this week and also next one. I hope I can make a little step extra while other people maybe get a little bit less.

Given the fact that team is more focused on Dylan sprints, who will support you the most along the final stages of this Giro?

I'd say on the flat they support me to try to get in the break, of course on mountains I'm alone but is always a man-to-man fight there. In general, I think we have a really nice dynamic in the team also with Dylan and with the boys, they do a really good job and that all motivates.

Did you and the team expect originally to rely on Victor Lafay for this Giro?

I think he was already injured at the beginning of the season. I'm not sure what he exactly has but for sure it’s a little bit of shame he's not here because he's a great bike rider. But this is what it is and now we are here with this group.

Speaking generally about the team, you’ve raced for very important squads in the past: which is the main difference between the Rockets and teams you’ve been in your career?

It's not a World Tour team because we don't have the same budget and so we don't have the same number of staff but everyone tries to do his best and I knew that from the beginning. I also didn't expect we would go for Grand Tour and then you go to Grand Tour and it's also the first time for a lot of people and that's something nice to see. So we’re not a World Tour team but it's not a shame and I think we show ourselves over here. That's the main thing.

What has surprised you most within the organization?

I think the equipment and materials we have: from SRAM groupsets to Vision wheels, they're all really excellent. Apart from that, I'd say the organization with all the people in the office.

How’s having Bas, Devin, and Josse as team owners?

They are just really nice guys. I've got a lot of respect for how they started the team from making videos on YouTube to have a pro content team and now here in the Giro. So I think you can only have big respect for that and hopefully the team really steps up and grows.

Is this an experience that somehow is rejuvenating you and maybe could lead you to consider extending your career?

I said a few days ago, 90% I’m sure that I'll stop but I leave the door a little bit open. If the team see a benefit of me to do one more year I could consider that. The level is really good but now I just enjoy the race and so it's easier to think like “oh, I can do another year”. Still, few days ago last week I was so cold that I was like “I have to be out of here” so it's like mixed feelings sometimes. Anyway before thinking about, I need to win the stage here.

I know that if Dylan had won the first stage, he, Devin, Bas, and Josse would have a tattoo together. Have you planned with the team something similar in case of your victory?

I was not part of that. I'm not really a tattoo fan. They can put tattoos as they want but not on me.