"He is a fantastic athlete and an even more beautiful person" - Merijn Zeeman on emotional farewell with Wout van Aert as Visma departure is confirmed

Merijn Zeeman will depart his role at Team Visma | Lease a Bike after 13 years of success at the end of the season, switching sports to become CEO of the Dutch football team, AZ Alkmaar.

One of those Zeeman will miss the most in his change of career is the Team Visma | Lease a Bike superstar, Wout van Aert. "Fortunately, I was able to tell him privately," reveals the Dutchman in conversation with Sporza. "It was leaked earlier than hoped and it was emotional for both of us. I owe a lot to Wout."

More than just a star of the peloton, Zeeman is full of credit for van Aert the person. "He is a fantastic athlete and an even more beautiful person. We have been through so much together," he says warmly. "It meant a lot to me, but he also understood why I did it. It gradually took more effort and I was looking for a new challenge. Wout is not much of a football fan himself, but I invite him when we play against a Belgian club in the Europa League."

When van Aert will be back on the bike remains a question mark however. "I told him that I am surprised how quickly such a top athlete recovers compared to an ordinary mortal. His wound looked a lot better and he has more energy," Zeeman explains. "We also have to wait and see every day for him. We have to see how everything evolves and until when he will be out of action. The Giro? We will postpone that. We certainly need another week to properly assess that."