"On paper, I will be more of a leader" – From Visma's most underrated rider to full-blown freedom at Decathlon for Tiesj Benoot

Tiesj Benoot has stepped into a new chapter of his career with Decathlon CMA CGM Team, and he already senses a shift in responsibility.

After leaving Team Visma | Lease a Bike with what he openly described as mixed emotions, the Belgian has embraced his fresh surroundings with real enthusiasm.

Speaking in conversation with HLN, he said the atmosphere at his new team gives him energy, and that the next phase of his career begins with genuine optimism.

Benoot admitted that moving squads has the feeling of going back to school for the first day, although he stressed that settling in has been easy thanks to the structure and standards already in place at Decathlon. He noted that the level within the team matched his expectations and that a rapid start to team activities, including an early training camp, adds to his sense of momentum.

The Belgian even joked about appearing in full kit at the presentation, something Remco Evenepoel was not allowed to do with Red Bull BORA hansgrohe because of his ongoing contract. “I hope this has been agreed with Visma,” Benoot said, showing that he has taken the transition with a smile.

As for his race calendar, he expects very few surprises. His spring will mirror the rhythm he followed at Visma, starting at the Volta ao Algarve before tackling Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne Brussel Kuurne. An altitude camp will lead into a classics block running from the E3 Saxo Classic through to Liege Bastenaken Liege. Paris Roubaix will be the one major classic he skips. The plan is for him to return to the Tour de France in the summer, which would make it ten in a row.

Where things change is in the nuance. Benoot will not simply act as a workhorse in the biggest one day races. He said that Decathlon see him as more than a helper and that his own expectations reflect that. “On paper, I will be a bit more of a leader,” he said, adding that he believes the squad will bring a wider and stronger roster into the classics. He also confirmed that Olav Kooij will appear more often in that part of the season, giving the team tactical depth.

There is also the emotional side of facing old colleagues. Benoot said racing against Visma riders will feel unusual at first, but he hopes he will be alongside them deep into the finales. In his words, that would be “a good sign” that the move has elevated rather than diminished him.

Benoot arrives at Decathlon with the same workload but a different level of opportunity. The structure is familiar enough to keep him steady, yet the promise of greater influence in the classics brings a layer of ambition that was harder to access at Visma. With a settled programme and renewed purpose, the Belgian now heads into 2026 ready to show what a freer role can unlock.