Visma | Lease a Bike announces new direction: 5-member management team set to lead the squad

CEO Richard Plugge will lead this quintet, consisting of Grischa Niermann, Jacco Verhaeren, Mathieu Heijboer, Patrick Broe, and Robbert de Groot. "I am proud that we have these exceptional professionals on board, who with their expertise and knowledge of organizational culture can further strengthen Team Visma | Lease a Bike in areas such as strategy, coaching, nutrition, innovation, scouting, and talent development."

Each will have their own specific role, the team shares. "Niermann will be ultimately responsible for strategy in races, race selections, and the composition of the total group of male and female riders. In addition to his role in sports management, Niermann will also continue as a team director in various competitions."

"Verhaeren was already involved with the team this year and will strengthen the sports management aspects, with his expertise as a successful top coach in swimming and his outside-in view of our organization. He will be the coach of coaches, trainer, and sports innovator. In addition, he will act as a link between the men's team and the women's team, with special attention to the personal development of all athletes," the team continues in the press release.

"Heijboer, already the head of performance, will become ultimately responsible for innovation in the areas of materials and training. He will combine this role with his current duties as a trainer for several riders," states the team. "De Groot continues to be a driving force behind our Development Team with which we have been able to train riders like Olav Kooij, Johannes Staune-Mittet, Per Strand Hagenes, and Tim and Mick van Dijke. He will continue to focus on talent development."

The most unknown name to the general public will be Patrick Broe. "He was already connected to the team as a consultant in the areas of race analysis and strategy. He retains this advisory role in sports management, alongside bringing in talented reinforcements for both the men's and women's teams. He will also advise the commercial team with his innovative ideas," according to Visma | Lease a Bike.

The final word is from Plugge. "We have always said that we wanted to internally resolve the regretted departure of Merijn Zeeman. Therefore, we have laid this broadly among our known specialists, who will, of course, do this in close consultation with the entire staff." The objective remains the same: to make sports history.