OFFICIAL: Team Visma | Lease a Bike sign Julien Vermote - "He has a wealth of experience and is immediately available to us as a helper"

After the sudden retirement of Lennard Hofstede, Team Visma | Lease a Bike found itself on the market late on in the transfer season. The 2024 season is already underway and with several riders making the trip to Australia, but the team welcomes Julien Vermote who makes a comeback to pro cycling.

"I am very happy to have been given this opportunity. Team Visma | Lease a Bike is a leading team and I would like to contribute to it. I can't wait to get started during the training camp next week with the team," Vermote said in a press release. This move had been rumoured by Wielerflits over the past week, and now the Dutch team confirm it's authenticity.

Vermote, 34 years of age, has been a World Tour pro with outfits such as Soudal - Quick-Step, Dimension Data, Cofidis and most recently Alpecin-Deceuninck (their current names). In 2023 he did not find a contract and effectively did not race at pro level. However his value did not come down, and Team Visma | Lease a Bike recognized the value.

"With the departure of Lennard, we had to quickly look for a worthy replacement and we are pleased that we were able to secure Julien," DS Merijn Zeeman added. "He has a wealth of experience and is immediately available to us as a helper. He is very motivated and passionate about his job."