Visma | Lease a Bike opts for Arkéa man after Teunissen scenario: "Brit McLay becomes permanent lead-out Kooij"

In the search for a permanent lead-out for Olav Kooij, Visma | Lease a Bike has reached a decision. At first, it was planned that Mike Teunissen would return, but that deal was torn up for unknown reasons. He moved to Astana Qazaqstan, and the Dutch team had to look elsewhere. Now, the Killer Bees seem to have made a choice.

According to WielerFlits, Dan McLay would make the switch from Arkéa-B&B Hotels. The Brit is known as a fast guy but never a top sprinter. That's why he trained to become a lead-out since Arnaud Démare joined the French team. That went very well for him: thanks to his skills in steering and positioning, he became the French sprinter's regular lead-out and was allowed to go to the Tour de France this year. The Brit's experience would appeal to Visma | Lease a Bike so that he will switch to the Dutch team in 2025: there, he will become Kooij's lead-out.

That spot was initially reserved for Teunissen. The 32-year-old Dutchman was supposed to return to his old team after a two-year adventure at Intermarché-Wanty, where he had already been under contract for six years (spread over two periods). But Visma | LaB eventually chose differently despite already having signed a contract. Teunissen, therefore, had to switch gears: he eventually chose Astana Qazaqstan, where he would reinforce the Dutch delegation.

Read more below the photo!

Financial problems Arkéa-B&B Hotels reason for headaches

A significant factor in McLay's departure from Arkéa is the French team's financial situation. Those problems are so massive that some important riders will have to leave, Le Télégramme reported. After 2025, the contracts of both main sponsors expire; therefore, Vincenzo Albanese and Clément Champoussin have to go. With the departure of the British sprinter added, the battle for the WorldTour license will be tough.