"We are proud of what we have built" - Major blow for Dutch cycling VolkerWessels Cycling Team to shut down after 2026

The VolkerWessels men's cycling team will cease to exist after the 2026 season, the team announced this in a press release. Rumours regarding the continental team's future had been circulating, but the news has now officially been confirmed in what is a blow for Dutch cycling.

Speculation grew in recent months about the continental team's future, with moves such as taking the ZLM Tour off their calendar a sign of what was to come. Gerald Paalman, Chairman of the Board of VolkerWessels Cycling Team, spoke about the team closing operations after this season in the press release.

“The decision to discontinue the men’s team was difficult, but we made it carefully,” he said. “We look back on ten wonderful years in which performance and talent development went hand in hand.”

Established in 2016, the team was promoted to a continental team in 2019. They achieved success in various races both in the Netherlands and in international competition. Paalmaan paid tribute to those past and present.

"We started with a small team of promising young talents. We grew into a professional team with success in both Dutch and international races at UCI Continental level. We are proud of what we have built together with riders, staff, sponsors, and supporters."

Riders such as Timo de Jong and Zak Coleman have been important figures for the team in recent seasons. Notably, Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider Bart Lemmen was part of the team in 2022 before stepping up to the WorldTour in subsequent seasons.

However, there is some positive news as the VolkerWessels women's team will continue in 2027. The team notably helped develop top talents like Demi Vollering and Lorena Wiebes and is guaranteed by investment from investment company Reggeborgh. It will be named Team Reggeborgh from 2027.