Heart issues take Visma rider out of action for months - "It’s a difficult climb right now"

In 2024 Niklas Behrens won the under-23 road race World Championships and signed a contract with Team Visma | Lease a Bike. Whilst the future was and potentially still is promising for the 22-year old German rider, he is having to deal with multiple health issues. After a fractured collarbone, his time away from racing is being extended as he is being forced to undergo an operation due to hearth issues.

Behrens will undergo an heart ablation procedure at the end of March, the very same procedure that Sam Bennett has undergone in recent months which has so far not allowed him to start his 2026 season. Behrens's return to racing does not yet have a date, but it will certainly delay his start to the season by several months.

It is something required to treat heart rhythm disturbances, and does not pose a risk to his career as a cyclist. "The team emphasizes that his focus is on a full recovery, with the aim of returning to training and competition later this season. It is a routine treatment that is successfully performed with active athletes".

Behrens took part in a training camp back in February alongside several Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders including Wout van Aert, but suffered a crash which led to a fractured collarbone which already prevented him from starting his season as initially planned. “I’m very grateful to the team and the medical staff for their guidance and support in the last days and weeks," Behrens said in a press release.

Visma have gotten good news as both Jonas Vingegaard and Wout Van Aert began their seasons and are showing good form after both had crashes during the winter; but have the German rider out of action for the cobbled classics now. It is not a new scenario however, as last year Christophe Laporte had several health issues and was only able to begin his season in mid August.

"It’s a difficult climb right now, but I will be attacking my recovery with the same focus I bring to every race. While it’s tough to be out of competition and not able to race with my teammates, I’m committed to the process so I can return even stronger," Behrens assures. "I can’t wait to get back in the peloton, start pinning on a number again and show the team what I can do.”