Red Bull eyeing another Visma raid? Former European champion reportedly lined up for reunion with Tratnik and Van Dijke brothers
Cycling
Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe could be set to continue an emerging trend in the transfer market, with another rider from Team Visma | Lease a Bike reportedly under consideration ahead of the 2027 season.
After already bringing in Jan Tratnik and the Van Dijke brothers in recent years, the Red Bull-backed squad appear to be looking once again towards their rivals as they shape their Classics group.
According to Het Laatste Nieuws, Christophe Laporte is among the names being discussed, with the Frenchman set to be out of contract at the end of the current campaign. The former European champion has established himself as one of the most consistent performers in the Northern Classics in recent seasons, combining endurance on cobbles with the ability to finish from reduced groups.
That level has been visible again in 2026. Laporte took a stage victory at the Vuelta a Andalucia earlier in the season and most recently finished third at In Flanders Fields, underlining his continued presence at the front of major one-day races.
De Lie interest opens alternative route
Laporte’s name has surfaced in the context of Red Bull’s wider transfer plans. Arnaud De Lie remains a key target on the market, with interest also coming from Soudal - Quick-Step. However, Het Laatste Nieuws reports that the Belgian has salary demands of around two million euros per season, a figure that could influence how teams approach a potential deal.
In that scenario, Laporte represents a different option. He has shown in recent seasons that he can compete for results in the Classics while also bringing experience to a team environment. A move would also see him reunite with riders such as Tratnik and the Van Dijke brothers, who have already made the switch from Team Visma | Lease a Bike.
Christophe Laporte punches the air as he wins stage 1 of the 2026 Vuelta a Andalucia
Any transfer is not straightforward. The report also indicates that Laporte has interest from multiple teams, including his current one, meaning an extension with Team Visma | Lease a Bike remains possible.
With several situations still developing, Red Bull’s final decision may depend on how the market around De Lie evolves. For now, Laporte’s name remains one to watch as part of a broader set of moves ahead of 2027.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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