Visma-Lease a Bike is in negotiations with Julien Vermote to fill the last spot on the team after the retirement of Lennard Hofstede. This information was provided by the well-informed Dutch website, Wielerflits.
Support from Wout Van Aert
Vermote impressed the Jumbo-Visma cyclists last season during the Belgian road championship in Izegem. To replace Hofstede, the yellow-black team is primarily looking for an experienced cyclist. Additionally, Wout van Aert would strongly support the possible arrival of Vermote.
The Flemish rider has a long history in cycling but was without a team last season after not renewing his contract with Alpecin-Deceuninck. However, this did not prevent the experienced Vermote from racing, as he continued training throughout the last season.
Vermote will replace Lennard Hofstede. It is not surprising that the Dutch WorldTeam has an interest in Vermote. Hofstede was not the highest-paid cyclist on the payroll, and therefore, a potential replacement should not demand a high salary. Someone like Edvald Boasson Hagen was not willing to sign a small contract; he is heading to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. Therefore, Vermote will seize the opportunity to race with one of the top World Tour teams.