Visma | Lease a Bike has openly celebrated the performance of Wout van Aert during the Tour de France, despite the Belgian star not taking a stage win or headline result this year. The team management expressed immense pride in Van Aert’s determination, adaptability, and selfless contribution to the squad’s overall strategy, even while navigating personal and physical challenges.
“Wout did exactly what he needed to do,” a team spokesperson said following the conclusion of Stage 20. “He showed leadership, supported his teammates, and demonstrated the kind of professionalism we’ve always known him for. For us, that’s as valuable as any stage victory.”
Van Aert, who entered the Tour after a difficult spring due to injury and limited racing, was never expected to be at 100%. Nonetheless, his presence proved critical in mountain pacing, breakaway control, and tactical positioning, especially for the team’s GC hopefuls. Although there was speculation that he might be riding below his usual explosive level, Visma | Lease a Bike insists that his efforts were exactly what the team needed under the circumstances.
More curiously, the team also shared a cryptic but pointed remark about UAE Team Emirates leader Tadej Pogačar, who has dazzled in this Tour with both his physical dominance and aggressive flair. After analyzing Pogačar’s recent stages and post-race data, Visma hinted at something they observed that may influence their approach to future Grand Tours.
“We think we saw something in Pogačar,” one senior analyst within Visma’s performance unit said. “We won’t go into detail, but it’s something we believe we can work with. Something exploitable—not necessarily a weakness, but a pattern.”
The comment has already sparked discussion in the cycling world, with fans and analysts speculating on what exactly Visma has detected. In past Tours, the Dutch team has gained a reputation for meticulous preparation, marginal gains, and being several steps ahead tactically. If they’ve spotted something in the Slovenian champion’s rhythm, recovery, or racing tendencies, it could set the stage for a renewed rivalry in 2026.
As for Van Aert, Visma made it clear that his role remains central to their vision, regardless of whether he’s contending for green jerseys, classics, or mountain domestique duties. “He’s the heart of this team,” said team director Grischa Niermann. “There are few riders who can be this versatile and this committed. We’ll celebrate what he’s done here, even if others don’t see the full value.”
With Jonas Vingegaard still recovering and question marks surrounding other top-tier rivals, Visma | Lease a Bike appears to be reloading quietly—and planning their next move with both confidence and caution.
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