Visma | Lease a Bike has been thanking riders who won’t return in yellow and black next year on its social media pages. The Dutch team previously thanked Jan Tratnik, Mick van Dijke, and Johannes Staune-Mittet, and now it is time to say goodbye to Milan Vader.
"Thanks for being an ultimate fighter in the last two years," Visma | Lease a Bike began toward Vader, obviously referring to the serious crash in 2022 at the Tour of the Basque Country. Vader ended up in the hospital, and for a moment, they feared for his life. "You had to learn to walk again, but by the end of that same year, you returned on the bike."
Thus, in 2023 and 2024, Vader could still happily ride around in yellow and black. "Only one year later, you claimed your first WorldTour victory and played a crucial role in our successful 2023 season," referenced his stage and final victory in the Gree-Tour of Guangxi. "Your name will forever be remembered in China, and we’ll also never forget you, Milan. We wish you every success with your new team and will be the first to cheer if you cross the finish line with your hands in the air once again."
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, Thank you for being an ultimate fighter in these past years. In 2022, you suffered a serious crash in Itzulia Basque Country, and for a moment, we even feared for your life. You had to learn to walk again, but by the end of that same…
Staune-Mittet's departure from the Dutch team came as a big surprise. But as his agent said, it is with pain in his heart that the Norwegian is leaving. More opportunities will be up for grabs at Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, so Visma also wrote a nice farewell post for Staune-Mittet. "Thank you for all the years we enjoyed your constant smile and undeniable talent. Winning the 2023 Giro NextGen was the highlight of your four-year period with our team, a time that was truly fantastic," the team begins.
"We'll never forget how you, even when injured, traveled to Italy at the end of the 2023 season to support your teammates and staff. Or how you appeared at the finish line this season at the Ronde de l'Isard, witnessing your former team mate Darren win the race. That says everything about you, showing that you're not only an excellent cyclist but also a person of real class. It will bring you many more successes in the years to come.❤️" These are beautiful words for the Norwegian!
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐞-𝐌𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐭, Thank you for all the years we enjoyed your constant smile and undeniable talent. Winning the 2023 Giro NextGen was the highlight of your four-year period with our team, a time that was truly fantastic. 🩷 We’ll…
Part one of the Van Dijke twins, meanwhile, has been sent off by the Dutch cycling team. "Thank you for allowing us to witness your impressive growth over the past few years on the front row," the team begins their farewell post.
"You started as a key player on our Development Team for almost two years and then moved on to the world team as a talented rider. From a young rider with a dream, you grew into a mature rider who knows what he wants. Riding Paris-Roubaix with your brother Tim was a childhood dream come true."
Mick finished 19th there, and his twin brother Tim finished 16th. "Now you will continue to pursue your dreams with a new team, and we sincerely wish you every success in this next chapter.' The team concluded by saying, "Forever a home-grown 🐝," referring to Visma | Lease a Bike's nickname.
Continue reading below the post
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐣𝐤𝐞, Thank you for letting us witness your remarkable growth from the front row these past years. You started as a cornerstone of our Development Team for almost two years and then transitioned to the WorldTour Team as a talented rider.…
"Thank you, Jan," begins Visma | Lease a Bike. "Thank you for always being there to help your teammates. Your talent is undeniable, with your win at the Omloop as the absolute highlight of your period at Team Visma | Lease a Bike." Tratnik won the Belgian season-opening classic this year after a splendid solo effort.
"We’ll miss not only your abilities as a rider, but also your smile, personality and the lessons you’ve shared," the team continues. "This year, you were part of a Giro squad that didn’t back down and were the driving force behind the Team Visma | Lease a Bike Renaissance at the Tour de France shortly afterward. Best of luck with your new team, and give Primoz our warm regards from everyone at Team Visma | Lease a Bike," concludes the Dutch team. Tratnik will be reunited with his fellow Slovenian, Roglic, with whom he raced for one year at Visma | Lease a Bike.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐉𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐧𝐢𝐤, Thank you for always being there to help your teammates. Your talent is undeniable, with your win at the Omloop as the absolute highlight of your period at Team Visma | Lease a Bike. We’ll miss not only your abilities as a rider, but…
