"Vingegaard, Van Aert, Kuss & Roglic all gained valuable experience from you" - Visma say fond farewell to stalwart rider after 18 years of loyal service

In the modern peloton, few riders have shown as much loyalty to one team as Robert Gesink has shown Team Visma | Lease a Bike over the past 18 years. After having spent his whole career with the team under its various names though, Gesink is set for retirement at the end of 2024.

In tribute of their stalwart rider, Visma have now sent a fond farewell message to the 38-year-old Dutchman. "Thank you, Robert Gesink," a post to the team's official social media begins. "Thank you for everything we’ve experienced together over nearly two decades. In your early years, you quickly made your mark and established your name among the world’s top riders at that time. You revived the passion for cycling in the Netherlands after some darker years and, even better, you made the country dream again. The Netherlands had its national cycling hero back, and every young kid wanted to be Robert Gesink."

From a Grand Tour rider in his early years, finishing 4th at the 2010 Tour de France, Gesink adapted and developed as he got older, maintaining his importance to the team throughout his career. "Countless magnificent results have coloured your career. The races in Canada and Italy, impressive finishes in the Tour de France, and even a stage win in the Vuelta a Espana—the race where it all began for you as a Grand Tour rider," Visma's message continues. "What do world-class riders like Jonas Vingegaard, Wout van Aert, Sepp Kuss, Steven Kruijswijk, Olav Kooij, Wilco Kelderman, and Primoz Roglic have in common? They all gained invaluable experience from you, Robert, and learned the finer details of the sport through your guidance."

"In the latter half of your career, you showed the world like no one else that cycling truly is a team sport. There was not a race where you didn’t sacrifice yourself for a teammate. Relentless pulling at the front, chasing down breakaways—all so that a teammate, or better said, a friend, could take the victory. Their wins were your wins too and it’s fair to say every team dreams of having a Robert Gesink."

"We are deeply honoured to have had you for 18 seasons. If your long and rich career symbolizes a Grand Tour, then you led the peloton in countless stages, claimed a few victories, and now, at the end, you stand atop the podium wearing the leader’s jersey. It has been an incredible journey together. Enjoy your time with your family, and continue sharing some beautiful photos, as you have another talent beyond cycling," Visma's farewell concludes. "You will forever be in our hearts and always welcome within our team, Yellow B. legend."