Team Visma | Lease a Bike extends terms with key Classics domestique after impressive debut year

It would have been easy for Julien Vermote to consider his time in the World Tour peloton over after failing to secure a contract with any team in 2023. The Belgian was given a chance by Team Visma | Lease a Bike in 2024 however, and has repaid the favour with some strong performances.

In fact, so impressed by Vermote have Team Visma | Lease a Bike been, that the initial one-year deal has been extended for a further season and will now run until the end of the 2025 campaign. "Julien is a good and reliable domestique who supports our leaders well in all areas," says team manager Grischa Niermann to the official website of Team Visma | Lease a Bike.

"The experience he brings to our young team is very valuable," continues Niermann, full of praise for the 35-year-old Belgian, who had previously raced at the top level for the likes of Alpecin-Fenix, Cofidis, Team Dimension Data and Quick-Step. "For these reasons, we did not hesitate for long to extend his contract."

"It all went fast this year, but from the first moment I joined the team, at the training camp in January, I felt at ease. I also always felt good during the races and I was quickly and well received in the team. I was also allowed to ride a very nice program. Considering where I come from, I enjoyed that extra much,” adds a delighted Vermote himself. “The atmosphere is always good in this team, both among the riders and the staff. Everyone works professionally, but there is also time to laugh. The balance is good and I think that is important. I thought it was a nice gesture that the team indicated that they wanted to continue and I did not hesitate to sign. I feel that I am still valuable and can mean something to the team. I look forward to the future.”