It’s a page of history that is being turned at Visma | Lease a Bike. Since this Tuesday, October 1st, Merijn Zeeman is no longer officially part of the Dutch team. Arrived in 2013 within what was called at the time the Bekin-Pro Cycling Teamalong with Richard Plugge (general manager of the team), Sailor completely transformed the team. In 10 years, the Batavian team has gone from bottom of the WorldTour to the top of the rankings, becoming a reference for its competitors. At the forefront of innovation, technology, nutrition, training, equipment, scouting… and all led by one man: Merijn Zeeman. But as announced at the start of the season, the Dutch leader will join the football team ofAZ Alkmaar and therefore leaves the world of cycling.
Video – Merijn Zeeman, at the start of this 2024 season
No replacement for Merijn Zeeman
And the Visma | Lease a Bike finally announced that Sailor will not be replaced, but that 5 men already part of the team will take charge of sports management, all with very distinct functions, from October 1st. Grisha Niermannchief sporting director of the team, will now take care of the general strategy, selections and compositions. Jacco Verhaeren (click ici to learn more about him), who joined the coaching staff this year, will now serve as head coach. Until now performance director, Mathieu Heijboer will be responsible for innovation in nutrition, equipment and training. Robbert de Groot will remain at the head of the development team, which has already taken numerous riders into the WorldTour ranks. Finally, the young Australian Patrick Broe (known on the internet for his videos and podcasts under the name Red Lantern), will continue to serve as a strategy and racing analysis consultant. He will also work with the women’s team and will have a new role within team communications.
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