Merijn Zeeman bids farewell to Visma | Lease a Bike: "We were seen as underdogs when I joined"

Monday, September 30, was Merijn Zeeman's last day at Visma | Lease a Bike. The Alkmaar native announced in April that he would be starting at football club AZ on December 1. Through the team's X account, the 45-year-old Zeeman shared a touching farewell video.

"Yesterday was Merijn Zeeman's last day with our team," reads the caption accompanying the video. "He leaves us with immense gratitude for everything he has brought us—unforgettable moments, a lasting impact on our team, and this beautiful message. All the best for the future, Merijn!"

In the stunning compilation video, we see the many highs and lows that Zeeman experienced with the Dutch formation. His first quote perhaps best captures his time with the team: "When I arrived here, we were seen as underdogs. But through hard work, resilience, and believing in one another, we have transformed into one of the best cycling teams in the world."

Read more below the tweet!

Unique achievements in successful years: what Zeeman calls 'unforgettable'

Zeeman joined the Rabobank team in 2012, which became known as Jumbo-Visma in 2019. Over the years, 2023 stood out as the most remarkable for both the Dutchman and his team. Jumbo-Visma triumphed with Primoz Roglic, Jonas Vingegaard, and Sepp Kuss, winning all three Grand Tours and achieving an astonishing total of 69 victories that year. This same trio also claimed the podium spots at the Vuelta a España, an exceptional feat.

In addition to these achievements, Zeeman highlights many other successes from his time with the Dutch team in his farewell video. Notable moments include Dylan Groenewegen's victory on the Champs-Élysées in 2017 and Steven Kruijswijk's podium finish in the 2019 Tour de France. The back-to-back Tour victories of Vingegaard are also featured, along with the rise of the women's team. "It was unforgettable, and I am proud to have shared this experience with all of you," concludes the departing Zeeman.

The calendar for the new cyclo-cross season is now online! Check it out here. Or check out our general calendars for the remainder of the season for the men and women's races.