Brains behind Simon Yates & Jonas Vingegaard's Grand Tour triumphs set for pay-rise at Visma: “Unfortunately, I didn’t negotiate a bonus into my contract”

Jesper Morkov might not have included a bonus clause in his contract when he joined Team Visma | Lease a Bike at the start of 2025, but after guiding the team to two Grand Tour victories in a single season, that oversight could soon be corrected.

Visma have now won both Grand Tours in which Morkov has been on duty — first at the Giro d’Italia with Simon Yates, and now at the Vuelta a Espana with Jonas Vingegaard. Notably, the team had to settle for second at the Tour de France, where long-time DS Grischa Niermann called the shots. Morkov’s perfect record stands out — and raises questions about his growing influence in the team’s sporting strategy.

With two starts and two wins to his name, Morkov is quietly compiling one of the most impressive starts to a Grand Tour DS career in recent memory. Not bad for a first season at one of the world’s biggest cycling outfits.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t negotiate a bonus into my contract,” Morkov said with a smile to Feltet.dk after La Vuelta concluded. “But from what I hear, the bonus is that I’ll be travelling a bit more next year and will be doing all three Grand Tours.”

That would mark a significant step up in responsibility for the 37-year-old Dane, who joined Visma from Uno-X with ambitions of taking part in cycling’s biggest races — a goal he has already surpassed with remarkable efficiency. Now, with Tour de France duties seemingly on the horizon, Morkov is poised to become a central figure in Visma’s sporting brain trust heading into 2026.

While Vingegaard’s overall triumph at the Vuelta adds yet another layer to his already glittering palmarès, it also highlights the tactical sharpness and cohesion within Visma’s backroom staff — a point Morkov was quick to acknowledge. “I joined the team to experience that level of professionalism and to get the chance to be part of the Grand Tours. Now I’ve done two – and won two – so I’d say that’s not too bad.”

Though the celebrations in Madrid were briefly interrupted by protestors on the final stage, the result was never in doubt. Vingegaard’s commanding ride, following a season disrupted by injuries, capped off an autumn resurgence for both rider and team.

Historically, Tour de France sporting duties for Visma have been helmed by stalwarts Grischa Niermann and Frans Maassen. But with Morkov’s rapid rise and flawless Grand Tour résumé, a reshuffling of the team car hierarchy could be in the cards for July. “We’ll see what happens, but it’s definitely something I’m incredibly proud of,” Morkov said. “It’s been a dream season. I’ve learned so much already.”

Given the significance of delivering two Grand Tour titles in his debut season — and the stability he’s brought to a team navigating injuries, leadership changes, and internal restructuring — Morkov would be justified in expecting some financial recognition. “I’m in this sport for the love of it, and because my heart beats for cycling – but I’m sure we’ll work something out,” he laughed.

And work something out they likely will. If his upward trajectory continues, Morkov could soon be not just one of the most promising sports directors in the peloton - but one of the most in-demand.