"We are losing two super-strong riders" - Wout van Aert laments departure of Visma leaders and friends

Team Visma | Lease a Bike are one of the strongest teams in pro cycling and above money, their results and attention to detail have over the past years helped them net several high-level transfers. However this winter the team loses Olav Kooij and Tiesj Benoot, two men whom Wout van Aert has worked with quite a lot and is sad to see leaving.

The Dutch team provides great quality but simultaneously not the best opportunities for all riders. Kooij for example has not ridden the Tour de France yet despite having almost 50 pro wins at age 23; whilst Benoot doesn't get the opportunity to lead the team at the classics by himself despite being a constant in them over the past years. Just this season, the 31-year old was sixth at the Tour of Flanders and fourth at the Clásica San Sebastián, still displaying a level that would have him in the lead of most World Tour teams.

Both riders are joining Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, who are reinforcing themselves heavily for next season, having also an increase in budget that allows them to do so. According to Daniel Benson, it is estimated that Kooij will have a salary of around €3 million per season, if so it would make him the best payed sprinter in the sport's history.

“Of course, I think that's a shame. Besides the fact that we are losing two super-strong riders, I also had a good personal relationship with Olav and Tiesj," Wout van Aert said in words to Het Laatste Nieuws. "I would have preferred them to stay, but I understand their decision. We will certainly miss them.”

Hence it is not the best situation for Visma, however not a dramatic one as Matthew Brennan is quickly rising through the ranks in the sprinter world, and the team has a continuous flow of quality riders for the cobbled classics - even though Benoot and Dylan van Baarle's departure will be felt.

Coming in are Tim Rex and Pietro Mattio of the development team, Timo Kielich who is expected to fill in at the classics, Filippo Fiorelli and as announced yesterday, Frenchman Bruno Armirail. A very diverse group of riders, with Italian climbing talent Davide Piganzoli also expected to be announced soon.

"Hopefully, there will soon be good chemistry between the riders who are here and those who are joining us, so that we can continue racing in the same way," the Belgian adds. "But it will be difficult to replace them."