"It was a truly fantastic time over the past ten years" - Koen Bouwman emotional about Team Visma | Lease a Bike departure

After ten seasons riding for Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Koen Bouwman is set to depart for a new challenge in 2025 as the 30-year-old Dutchman joins Team Jayco AlUla on what is initially, a two-year deal. Before that comes though, a final ride in the iconic yellow and black at the 2024 Tour of Guangxi is taking place.

“It was a truly fantastic time. Over the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing people from whom I’ve learned a lot, which has helped me grow tremendously as a person," Bouwman reflects of his Team Visma | Lease a Bike departure to the team's official website. "I was never the most talented rider, but by working hard together with the team, I reached a solid level and was able to achieve some great victories.”

“I have so many wonderful memories,” Bouwman continues. “I’ve gone on so many incredible trips and always worked with a great group of people. I’m leaving a very warm environment, which made the decision to move on difficult. The team’s structure is unique, and I’ve really enjoyed it, which has led to many beautiful moments over the past few years.”

Over the course of his time at Visma, Bouwman won two stages of the Giro d'Italia, plus the King of the Mountains jersey in 2022, plus a stage of the Criterium du Dauphine in 2017 among a total of 6 victories in his professional career to date.

“I’m going to miss Koen a lot. He’s always been a tremendous team player and often thought of the team’s interests, otherwise, he probably could have won even more," adds Team Visma | Lease a Bike sports director Frans Maassen. "Koen is a really great guy and also just a strong rider. He has shown some special things and was an important part of building this team.”