"I don't use social media, I don't know what's being said" - Visma's newest transfer target refuses to comment on rumours
Cycling
Mark Donovan could have a new team from 2027, but the Briton refused to confirm or deny transfer-market rumours linking him with Visma | Lease a Bike. The 27-year-old was asked directly about reports pointing to a move to the Dutch setup, but remained secretive about the possible move.
The question came during the Tour of Britain, in comments to the press, after WielerFlits reported on Tuesday that Donovan had reached an agreement to join Visma for the next two seasons. According to the Dutch outlet, Donovan would end his four seasons at Pinarello Q36.5 to become a rider with Visma | Lease a Bike from 2027.
The move has yet to be confirmed officially, and Donovan himself avoided offering further details when asked directly about the rumour. "I don’t use social media, so I don’t know what’s being said about it," the Briton replied at the Tour of Britain, as reported by Domestique.
There were no further comments on his potential next destination. Donovan was also reluctant to delve into long-term plans when asked more generally about his career outlook. "I think I just want to try new things and carry on as I have been, enjoying racing and wherever it takes me," he explained.
A rider long on Visma’s radar
The potential move would come with an added twist: Visma have known Donovan since his early professional years. WielerFlits claims that the then Jumbo-Visma tracked the Briton closely in 2019, when he was still regarded as one of the brightest British prospects.
At that time, Donovan featured in a group of six young riders on the Dutch team’s radar. Alongside him were Thymen Arensman, Mikkel Bjerg, Tobias Foss, Andreas Leknessund, and Filip Maciejuk. Of those six, only Foss eventually joined the team. Now, several years later, Donovan could finally get the chance to wear the Dutch squad’s colours.
Mark Donovan, Pinarello Q36.5 rider
Donovan’s role alongside Pidcock
His potential arrival would also fit the role he has taken on this season at Pinarello Q36.5. The presence of Tom Pidcock has often seen Donovan assume support duties for the British leader. However, when Pidcock is not on the start list, the 27-year-old enjoys more freedom to chase his own results.
Donovan himself explained how that balance has played out across the year: "It’s been a bit mixed this year. When you go to a race with Tom [Pidcock], it’s about backing him 100% to try to win, and you still have your own chances in races like this."
That profile could be precisely what makes Donovan attractive to Visma. The Briton has stage race experience and can offer mountain support, an area where the Dutch setup may seek options to cover the gap left by Steven Kruijswijk.
The potential Kruijswijk replacement
According to WielerFlits, Donovan would be earmarked to take over part of the role of Steven Kruijswijk, who plans to retire after the 2026 season.
The veteran Dutchman has played a key support role for Visma’s leaders at the Grand Tours in recent seasons, especially in the high mountains.
Donovan already has ample experience at this level. He has started five Grand Tours and completed the 2021 Tour de France. Many of his best results since joining Q36.5 have also come in stage races.
His biggest professional success to date came in 2023, when he won the overall at the Tour of Sibiu. This year he returned to the Romanian race and finished third overall, while he also placed inside the top 15 at the Tour de Pologne and the Arctic Race of Norway.
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Donovan aims to seize his chance at the Tour of Britain
While his future is decided, the Briton remains focused on the present and his opportunities at the Tour of Britain. The tougher stages in the final part of the race seem better suited to his characteristics than stage 1. Donovan has especially targeted the week’s longer climbs as a chance to show his potential.
"I think Saturday will be a good day for me. The climbs are a bit longer than today’s, so I’ll try to hang in until then and see what I can do," he said.
For now, Donovan is keeping the door closed on any confirmation about Visma | Lease a Bike. The rumour is out there, but the Briton has chosen not to fuel it. His response makes clear that, until there is an official announcement, he prefers to focus on racing and let the market do the talking.
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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