Visma | Lease a Bike proud of Australian campaign: "We provide tailored solutions for everyone"

Visma | Lease a Bike is quite pleased with the first race week of 2025. The Dutch team sent a group of young talents to the Tour Down Under, where it lost Dylan van Baarle and Loe van Belle due to crashes. Nevertheless, sprinter Matthew Brennan and GC rider Thomas Gloag managed three top tens in the day's results and a solid top ten in the GC.

Brennan was the man who immediately surprised on day one with second place behind Sam Welsford in the first sprint chance. The only 19-year-old Brit did not come out on top for the rest of the week, but via his team's official channels, they look back on his week with satisfaction. "I'm extremely proud of the team. Matthew showed himself well and was in a good position again today," said team manager Addy Engels.

Head of development Robbert de Groot is logically very pleased with the WorldTour debut of Brennan, Tijmen Graat en Menno Huising. "They're all very different types of riders, as is Loe van Belle, another graduate of our Development Team. Each rider has unique qualities and a different development path, but we've been able to provide tailored support and help them grow. That's something we're very proud of—especially on a day like today."

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Matthew Brennan was already third in the Villawood Men's Classic criterium prior to the Tour Down Under.

Visma | Lease a Bike saw youngsters emerge, after Van Baarle dropped out

"We've worked hard to see Matthew Brennan, Tijmen Graat, and Menno Huising make their WorldTour debuts and perform so well. It's a testament to our ability to scout the right talent and help them progress to the next level in their careers," De Groot once again congratulates himself and the team.

Engels also sees the potential. "The other guys also did an amazing job, and it's great to see their development. Despite losing two teammates during the week, we performed strongly, and securing a good overall result with Thomas is especially satisfying given the tough year he's had."

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Thomas Gloag after his effort on Willunga Hill on Saturday

Gloag speaks of 'super great week' after eighth-place finish in Australia

Gloag himself can only agree. The 23-year-old British rider was out of action for much of 2024 with two broken elbows, having already dropped out early in 2023 due to a knee injury following a crash during training. After a lost year, it has to happen in 2025, he previously announced. "I am confident that I can be competitive at the professional level."

He immediately proved that at the Tour Down Under. "I'm pleased with how this week went. I've had a great time with the team and again showed myself at the highest level. I expected to do well in Australia, but achieving it would be fantastic. Now my focus is on the upcoming races, which I'm excited for."

Read also

Welsford completes hat trick at Tour Down Under, but a major crash overshadows the final kilometer

Tour of AlUla showcases Pidcock on the start list, alongside top sprinters

According to UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Narváez's power explosion in Australia is just the beginning: "A super talent"

Want to know when and where the most exciting races of 2025 will take place? Check out our updated 2025 cycling calendars for the men's and women's peloton!

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