Pioneer in AI enters the world of cycling to sponsor Team Visma - Lease a Bike

The history of the current Team Visma | Lease a Bike is one of the most remarkable in modern cycling. It is a structure that has spanned several decades, different sponsors, and profound internal transformations, until becoming one of the dominant teams in the Grand Tours and the Classics.

The arrival of the technology company Visma as co-sponsor marked the beginning of the most successful phase in the team’s history, when it became known as Jumbo-Visma.

It was during this period that the team reached the very top of world cycling with riders such as Primoz Roglic, Jonas Vingegaard, Wout van Aert and Sepp Kuss.

In 2023, the team achieved a historic milestone: it won all three Grand Tours in the same year, with Roglic at the Giro d’Italia, Vingegaard at the Tour de France and Kuss at the Vuelta a España. A rare display of dominance in modern cycling history.

Beyond the Grand Tours, the team also stood out in the Classics, time trials and one-week stage races, establishing itself as the most complete structure in the WorldTour peloton.

From 2024 onwards, following Jumbo’s departure as main sponsor and the arrival of the leasing company Lease a Bike, the team was officially renamed Team Visma | Lease a Bike.

Now, the Dutch team announced in an official statement, a new giant joins the core group of sponsors for 2026. Mistral AI, a pioneering company in the world of artificial intelligence, enters the sport.

“We are very proud that an innovative company like Mistral AI is partnering with our team.” said Team Visma | Lease a Bike CEO Richard Plugge.

“At the highest level of cycling, continuous improvement is essential. Mistral AI operates with the same mindset in its own field and I am convinced that by working together, we can raise each other to an even higher level.”

Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s Head of Strategy Patrick Broe said “In today’s high-performance cycling, data is everywhere, and leveraging AI is essential to staying competitive. Mistral AI is a global leader in helping organizations unlock the full potential of AI and we look forward to working closely together to drive successes on the road”.

Timothée Lacroix, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Mistral AI, said “At Mistral AI, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through technology. Partnering with Team Visma | Lease a Bike is a natural fit; both organizations are driven by innovation, excellence, and a relentless pursuit of success. We are excited to bring our AI expertise to the world of cycling and help the team achieve new heights.”

The philosophy remains the same: a strong focus on innovation, data analysis, strategic planning and the individual development of riders.