Vermote's comeback complete with contract extension at Visma | Lease a Bike: "A nice gesture"

He seemed finished, but Julien Vermote has impressively fought his way back into the WorldTour. The 35-year-old Belgian unexpectedly signed a contract with Visma | Lease a Bike last January after being without a team in 2023. Following an excellent year, the Dutch team has now rewarded him with a contract extension.

In a press release, Visma | Lease a Bike announced a new contract for Vermote, lasting until the end of 2025. "The experienced Belgian has proven his worth across all terrains throughout the year in service of his leaders," the team stated. Indeed, since his return to the WorldTour, Vermote has competed in many races alongside his good friend Wout van Aert, from the Clásica Jaén and the Algarve to Dwars door Vlaanderen. Additionally, Vermote participated in Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, the Ardennes spring season, and as part of the sprint train in the ZLM Tour and Baloise Belgium Tour.

"Julien is a good and reliable domestique who supports our leaders well on all terrains," praised Grischa Niermann, part of the technical management. "The experience he brings to our young team is very valuable. For these reasons, we did not hesitate to extend his contract."

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Vermote is grateful to Visma | Lease a Bike

Understandably, Vermote is pleased with his new contract, but he is especially grateful to his current employer. "Of course. Everything has happened quickly this year, but from the moment I joined the team at the training camp in January, I felt comfortable. I always felt good at the races, and I was quickly and well integrated into the team. I also had the opportunity to participate in a very nice program. Considering where I came from, I've particularly enjoyed it."

"The atmosphere is always good in this team, among both the riders and the staff," he adds. "Everyone works professionally, but there's also time for laughter. The balance is good, and that's important to me. I appreciated it when the team indicated they wanted to continue with me, and I didn't hesitate to re-sign. I feel that I still have value and can contribute to the team. I'm looking forward to the future."

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Lidl-Trek and Lotto-Dstny also renew contracts

Vermote’s contract extension wasn't the only one announced this week. Lotto-Dstny extended the contract of talent Liam Slock until the end of 2026. The 23-year-old Belgian advanced from the development team in 2023 and has since done well as a supporting all-rounder. Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier is now also secured until 2026 with Lidl-Trek. The Eritrean is capable on all types of courses and will continue to compete for the team led by Mads Pedersen and Giulio Ciccone.