Christophe Laporte set to stay at Team Visma | Lease a Bike despite Red Bull interest after Paris-Roubaix masterclass
Cycling
Christophe Laporte looks set to remain at Team Visma | Lease a Bike, a move that would halt Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe’s reported interest and keep one of the most influential riders in the cobbled Classics within the Dutch squad.
According to Het Laatste Nieuws, the Frenchman has already decided to extend his contract, despite concrete interest from multiple teams, including Red Bull and Groupama-FDJ. The development comes just days after Paris-Roubaix, where Laporte once again underlined his value in one of the biggest races on the calendar.
The timing is not insignificant. In Roubaix, Laporte was not simply present; he was central to the outcome. As Wout van Aert dealt with mechanical issues and a demanding race scenario, Laporte moved between roles, contributing in the front group before later disrupting the chase behind. The approach allowed Team Visma | Lease a Bike to maintain control in the decisive phase of the race.
He would go on to finish fifth himself, a result that reflects a wider pattern in his riding. Laporte is not only capable of supporting a leader in Monument races, but also of delivering his own result at the same time. That dual value has become increasingly rare at the top end of the Classics.
Roubaix example highlights importance
Laporte’s ride in Paris-Roubaix offered a clear demonstration of why keeping him has become a priority.
The report suggests that Wout van Aert pushed for the team to retain the Frenchman, particularly following the departure of Tiesj Benoot last winter. Losing another key figure from the Classics group would represent a significant shift in team structure, something Visma appear keen to avoid.
That context also explains why interest from elsewhere has not automatically translated into movement. Red Bull have already recruited heavily from Team Visma | Lease a Bike in recent seasons, bringing in Jan Tratnik and the Van Dijke brothers, and have been linked with another move for a similar profile.
Laporte would have fit that approach. His experience, consistency and ability to influence races without necessarily needing to win them make him an attractive option in a market where such riders are limited.
Christophe Laporte at the 2026 Paris-Roubaix
However, the latest indication is that he will remain where he is.
After a disrupted 2025 season due to illness, Laporte has re-established himself throughout 2026 with a string of strong performances, including a stage win at the Ruta del Sol and consistent results across the cobbled Classics. Roubaix, however, provided the clearest and most recent evidence of his importance.
With that in mind, the decision to stay represents continuity rather than caution. For Team Visma | Lease a Bike, it keeps intact a proven dynamic at the very highest level of the sport, one that delivered again on the roads to Roubaix.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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