Julien Vermote sees his determination as one of factors that convinced Visma to sign him for 2024: "Perhaps that's also one of the reasons why the team chose me"

From racing Belgian kermesses as individual athlete to competing in the world's biggest races with the world's best team. Julien Vermote's story is as inspiring as a testament to the 34-year-old's will and determination. After competing 17 racedays with Visma | Lease a Bike, Vermote looks back at hectic months with IDLProCycling.

"It was a great opportunity. I feel good in the team. It's always nice to come into a team that's performing well and is very structured. I've been able to participate in great races, so that makes me happy too. I wouldn't have expected that in December, but I always kept believing. Whether that would become reality, you don't know. But I kept faith, and that's been a strength."

"In a certain way, I might be an example for those guys. Unconsciously, without saying much. Besides, it's just really nice to be on the road with all these young guys, we have a good mix. Perhaps that's also one of the reasons why the team chose me, that perseverance," Vermote continues. "I just kept training when I didn't have a team."

Vermote, who has more than ten years of experience as a pro, notices significant differences between cycling then and now. "We're talking about thirteen years later, and in that time, racing has managed to develop quite a bit. Everything has grown much bigger and it's happening very quickly. These young guys have a lot of talent and everyone's physical capabilities are very high. That level keeps rising and they take better care of themselves, paying more attention to nutrition and such. Those are the small details that make the difference, which is why the bar is always set very high. Everything is advancing."