"We don't see the riders as robots, but as people of flesh and blood" - Richard Plugge on what makes Team Visma | Lease a Bike standout

As Richard Plugge's team prepare be reborn as Team Visma | Lease a Bike in 2024, the all-conquering outfit have reflected on a record breaking year at their presentation day.

"We work with so many good people. After all, we not only have the best riders, but also the best trainer in-house," an emotional Plugge says praising Merijn Zeeman having seen a recap video of their 2023. "Last year was one with many peaks, although we also had some valleys every now and then, whether or not on a personal level. But it is and remains incredible to work together in such a team and to achieve these successes together."

But just what is it that makes the Visma team standout? What is their secret to success. "Being a little crazy also helps. In addition, it is of course a matter of working very hard and planning ahead. Merijn and I have been preparing for next year for months. Moreover, we pay attention to the individual within this team. We don't see the riders as robots, but as people of flesh and blood," Plugge answers.

"Winning three Grand Tours is of course something we could only dream of," he continues. "If you had asked Jonas, Primoz or Sepp before the season what the ambition was, they would of course have said that they were going for the win and nothing else. You create competition programs, training schedules and things like that based on those sky-high ambitions. And then you work towards that. But even then, what we have shown is simply incredible. We have a great group of riders, but also great top staff. That makes us strong as a whole and gives me a very proud feeling."