Visma agree deal with experienced British leadout man after turning down chance to sign Mike Teunissen

According to various reports Team Visma | Lease a Bike did have a three-year deal agreed to bring back former rider Mike Teunissen. After pulling out of the deal for one reason or another, the Dutch-based team has moved quickly to secure the services of an adequate replacement.

In a report by Wielerflits, it's revealed that the man Visma have opted for to solve their leadout issue is the experienced Brit, Dan McLay of Arkéa - B&B Hotels. The 32-year-old has 10 wins on his palmares, but in recent years has adapted himself from sprinter to last leadout man of the Arkea train for Arnaud Demare, something Team Visma | Lease a Bike hope he can do similarly in aid of their sprint sensation, Olav Kooij.

One of the main reasons McLay makes sense as a deal for Visma, is down to the deep uncertainty regarding the future prospects of the Arkéa - B&B Hotels team. Two of the teams' star riders, Vincenzo Albanese and Clement Champoussin are reportedly set to use a 'get out clause' to force a departure, whilst team boss Emmanuel Hubert recently told French press he can't guarantee a future for the team beyond the end of next year.

"Right now, I can't guarantee them anything beyond December 31, 2025," Hubert told Le Télégramme. "When they have a contract in their clause allowing them to do so, they have the possibility of committing themselves elsewhere. And they were very much in demand. I'm putting themselves in my place, they have to think about what happens after 2025. Right now I can't offer them that, I have to adapt myself to the situation. Face up to it."

With four Tour de France appearances on his palmares, McLay certainly has the experience required, even if at first glance, he seems a bit of step down from Teunissen.