“Rabobank has a deep-rooted cycling heritage" - Richard Plugge delighted by return of Rabobank to Team Visma | Lease a Bike

It has now been confirmed. Rabobank are officially set to return to the peloton and retake their place as one of the sponsors of the now-named Team Visma | Lease a Bike team as of July 1st. More than 12 years after leaving the peloton, Rabobank's return marks a big moment for the team according to team boss Richard Plugge. 

“This is a special moment. Rabobank has a deep-rooted cycling heritage," begins Team Visma | Lease a Bike's CEO to the team's official website in a press release announcing the return of the former title sponsor. "In 2012, they gave us the opportunity with Blanco to rebuild cycling and return it to the fans. Their decision to rejoin us as a partner is a great compliment."

The former title sponsor of the now-Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Rabobank were a recognisable sight in the peloton for nearly two decades. And although the reputation of the former Rabobank team was somewhat soured by doping, both alleged and proven, it is hoped that enough time has now passed to ensure a fresh, untainted opinion from the majority of cycling fans. "It shows how much cycling has evolved in recent years and how our team has become synonymous with professionalism, integrity, and success," Plugge notes. "Through this partnership, we continue building the future of the sport and inspire the next generation of cycling talents. We are proud of this collaboration and excited about what we can achieve together."

“Rabobank has been supporting sports in the Netherlands for many years—ranging from enthusiastic amateur basketball players to ambitious hockey talents, and from young athletes with Olympic and Paralympic dreams to now, once again, professional cyclists. With the addition of Team Visma | Lease a Bike to our sports partnerships, we are returning to our old love: cycling. As the jersey sponsor of both the men’s and women’s teams, as well as the Development Team, we look forward to supporting the next generation of cycling talent together,” adds Stefaan Decraene, Chairman of the Managing Board of Rabobank.