"Thank you, Robert Gesink": Visma | Lease a Bike bids farewell to cycling legend with beautiful tribute

After 18 years in the professional peloton, Robert Gesink’s remarkable career has come to an end. The Dutchman is saying goodbye to Visma | Lease a Bike, the team he’s been with since the very start of his career. It’s clear that the Killer Bees will miss him deeply, as the team shared a heartfelt tribute to the 38-year-old climber on social media.

“Thank you, Robert Gesink,” the message begins. “Thank you for everything we’ve experienced together over nearly two decades. In your early years, you quickly made your mark and established your name among the world’s top riders at that time. You revived the passion for cycling in the Netherlands after some darker years and, even better, you made the country dream again. The Netherlands had its national cycling hero back, and every young kid wanted to be Robert Gesink.”

"Countless magnificent results have colored your career. The races in Canada and Italy, impressive finishes in the Tour de France, and even a stage win in the Vuelta a España — the race where it all began for you as a grand tour rider." At just 22 years old, Gesink finished seventh overall in his first Vuelta. Sixteen years later, he bid farewell to the sport, once again at the Vuelta a España.

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In 2010, Gesink claimed back-to-back wins in the Giro dell’Emilia.

Gesink's experience and friendship treasured by Visma team

At Visma | Lease a Bike, Gesink evolved from a team leader into a trusted road captain. As the team’s elder statesman, his value was immeasurable. "What do world-class riders like Jonas Vingegaard, Wout van Aert, Sepp Kuss, Steven Kruijswijk, Olav Kooij, Wilco Kelderman, and Primoz Roglic have in common? They all gained invaluable experience from you, Robert, and learned the finer details of the sport through your guidance."

"In the latter half of your career, you showed the world like no one else that cycling truly is a team sport. There was not a race where you didn’t sacrifice yourself for a teammate. Relentless pulling at the front, chasing down breakaways — all so that a teammate, or better said, a friend, could take the victory. Their wins were your wins too and it’s fair to say every team dreams of having a Robert Gesink."

"We are deeply honored to have had you with us for 18 seasons. If your long and rich career symbolizes a grand tour, then you led the peloton in countless stages, claimed a few victories, and now, at the end, you stand atop the podium wearing the leader’s jersey. It has been an incredible journey together. Enjoy your time with your family, and continue sharing some beautiful photos, as you have another talent beyond cycling."

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