Road captains and riders with a wealth of experience in the pro peloton, Team Picnic PostNL are delighted to reveal the extensions of Warren Barguil, Chris Hamilton, Gijs Leemreize and Tim Naberman.
Barguil adds another year to his contract through 2027, Leemreize and Naberman extend for another two years to also wear the two-striped jersey for the same period, while Hamilton has extended his contract until the end of 2028.
Warren Barguil
Turning professional with Team Picnic PostNL back in 2013, Barguil spent his formative years taking some incredible results, including four grand tour stage wins. Heading for pastures new in 2018, Barguil returned to the squad that he called home in 2024 as a rider with multiple years of experience competing at the highest level of the sport. Stil in his early 30’s, Barguil is an invaluable road captain and climbing support for the team’s young GC and climbing talents; where he can share his experience as they take the next step in their careers. This was perfectly evident at the Tour de France this season where Barguil played an important role in the team’s fourth place finish with Oscar Onley in the overall classification.
Barguil expressed: “I wanted to extend with the team because this is where I turned professional, and I have a lot of respect and gratitude for that. Team Picnic PostNL gave me the opportunity to take that step, and now I feel it’s important for me to give something back to the younger riders, just like the team did for me when I was starting out. What I really like here is that everyone works towards the same goal, nobody thinks only about themselves, and the atmosphere between the riders is very strong. I have so many good memories with the team. Recently, I came across my old jersey from when I first turned professional, and it made me realise how much I’ve done since 2013. It’s not only about my own victories, but also about the successes we’ve shared together. Of course, I personally would like to be able to raise my arms in the air again – especially at the Giro – but that’s getting harder to do, so above all I just want to enjoy racing my bike with the guys, like always.”
Team Picnic PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna added: “Since coming back to the team, it has worked out exactly as we hoped with Warren, and even beyond that. He’s proven once again to be a real added value for our team. We’re very happy he’ll stay with us for another year. His experience, professionalism, and drive make a genuine difference, both on and off the bike. Warren understands that high performance is about much more than just riding fast; it’s about leadership, about transmitting knowledge and energy to others. He’s been a great mentor to the younger riders, and his presence really elevates the entire group.”
Chris Hamilton
A true culture carrier within Team Picnic PostNL, Hamilton has been with the team in its various guises since he turned pro in 2017. A consummate professional, Hamilton knows what it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport and has been part of many incredible moments with the team such as the double podium at the Giro d’Italia. A strong climber who has taken stage podiums at both the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, it is as a road captain that Hamilton excels. His experience is invaluable when it comes to managing hectic situations as they unfold in the race, helping to guide the team’s aspiring GC riders. Off the bike Hamilton also brings a level-headedness that keeps the group stable through the natural peaks and troughs of pro bike racing.
Hamilton said: “For me, it was an easy decision to extend with the team. I’ve spent my whole career here, and this is where I’ve learned everything I know about being a professional cyclist. It truly feels like home; with the riders, the staff, and the whole environment we’ve built together. I have so many great memories here, from fighting for podiums in Grand Tours to the day-to-day moments with the group. Looking ahead, I just want to keep doing what I love: supporting our GC leaders, helping the young guys develop, and contributing wherever I can. I’ve seen riders come through from the Development program and grow into top professionals, and I’m excited to keep being part of that journey, especially alongside guys like Oscar and Max.”
Team Picnic PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna continued: “We’re really pleased to extend our collaboration with Chris. He knows our culture inside out, and he’s someone who actively strengthens it. He’s a rider who brings calm, experience, and reliability: a true support rider who has already proven himself at the highest level. At the same time, we believe he still has room to grow physically and to keep pushing his own limits. Chris is one of those stable factors every successful team needs; the kind of rider you can always count on when the race gets tough.”
Gijs Leemreize
Having joined the team in 2024, Leemreize has proven himself to be a valuable and strong teammate across a variety of terrain. Coming more into his own when the road heads uphill, he’s supported the team’s GC finishers to an impeccable standard in some of the biggest races in the world such as the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, or in a variety of challenging WorldTour level stage races. When the race unfolds in a promising breakaway, Leemreize can often sniff out a successful move and has achieved top ten places in stages at the Giro and Vuelta with the team in the past two years; highlighting his strong climbing abilities and consistent performances throughout the year.
Leemreize declared: “The good atmosphere in the group, the knowledge within the team, and the great race program have been important to me during my time at Team Picnic PostNL so far. My role has mainly been to support our GC finishers and to be a stable factor within the group, something I take a lot of pride in. There have been many great memories already, but Pavel’s stage win in the Vuelta last year and Casper’s victory in the Giro this year really stand out as special moments. Looking ahead, my big goal and dream is to help the team reach the podium in a Grand Tour. What I value most here is the good atmosphere and strong communication within the whole team, and I look forward to building on that in the years ahead.”
Team Picnic PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna concluded: “In his first two years with us, Gijs has really evolved into a strong and intelligent team rider. He’s shown great awareness in races, making smart tactical decisions and reading situations very well. That kind of instinct is something you can’t teach; it comes from understanding the sport deeply. He’s become a key support rider, but also someone we believe can continue to take steps forward in his own performances. Renewing with Gijs is testament to his growth and for the important role he plays in our team dynamic.”
Tim Naberman
A long-standing member of the team, having risen through the ranks from the Development program in 2019, to turning professional with the Men’s program in 2022; Naberman has improved year-on-year as a rider. Scanning the results sheets Naberman’s name might not jump out, but the Dutchman’s role within the team is incredibly valuable, where he often rides selflessly in support of the team’s goals and finishers. Whether that is pulling early in the mountains or helping to control and set-up the sprint group for those fast finales. Furthermore, Naberman is one of the more vocal riders within the team and helps bring the group together, holding each other accountable, while also being tactically astute in the race while in the role of a road captain. This culminated with him making his Tour de France debut in 2025 where the team had success across the three weeks.
Naberman said: “I’m happy that I’ve extended my contract with Team Picnic PostNL. I feel completely at home here, and over the years I’ve been given increasing responsibilities as a road captain, especially through my dedication to my teammates and the team. This year, riding my first Tour de France was a real highlight — and something I’ll never forget. A lot of us have grown together from the Development program, and to then perform at the highest level of the sport was truly special. My role of keeping the team together and making sure we execute our plans suits me and my abilities well. Now that I know I can do this at the highest level, I want even more great memories with the team!”
Team Picnic PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna finalised: “Over the past seasons, Tim has continued to take important steps forward, both as a rider and as a road captain. Having now raced Grand Tours, he’s become a very stable and reliable presence in the team. His influence, both on and off the bike, keeps growing. He’s a true captain, someone who knows how to guide the group, read a race, and keep things together when it matters most. We’re very happy to continue working with him, because his experience and personality bring a lot of value to our structure.”
