As the cycling world edges closer to transfer season, Team Visma
| Lease a Bike has opted for stability over surprises, extending the contract
of 38-year-old Steven Kruijswijk for another year. In a market buzzing with
rumours and pre-Vuelta talk, the Dutch team has secured one of its most
enduring figures for the 2026 season, having joined the team all the way back
in 2010.
Kruijswijk, who has been with the team for nearly two
decades, will continue as both road captain and mentor. His loyalty to Visma is
matched only by his consistency. “I still enjoy it very much and I feel
physically great,” he said in the team’s official announcement. That enjoyment
and ongoing form were made obvious during this year’s Giro d’Italia, where
Kruijswijk delivered yet another solid campaign, quietly reinforcing his place
within the team’s engine room.
"This last Giro reaffirmed to me and the team that I'm
still a valuable asset," he added. “That feeling was decisive for me. I
also try to share my experience as much as possible with the younger riders in
the team. In this way, I hope to continue to contribute to the team's future
successes.”
It’s not just what Kruijswijk brings on the road that
matters to Visma. It’s the sum total of nearly twenty years of racing
intelligence and guidance to other riders. “It's important that we can keep
someone who has been with this team for so long,” said sporting director
Grischa Niermann. “Steven has taken on virtually every role here and has
experienced all kinds of situations. That makes him extremely valuable for the
whole team, and especially for our young talent. In addition, Steven proved
once again during the last Giro that he is still more than capable in terms of
performance on the bike.”
With Grand Tours growing faster and more unpredictable, the
value of a rider like Kruijswijk can’t be overstated. In a sport where careers
rarely stretch this far, Visma has chosen to keep faith in a rider who’s done
it all, and still has more to give.
Read also
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as 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. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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leedorney08-11-2026 - To Twoje przemyślenia te bla, bla :)
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parisbound0008-11-2026 - there needs to be space in life for pointless comments!Ketterechts08-11-2026
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