Simon Yates set to join Visma-Lease a Bike on two-year deal
British rider had been linked to several teams including Israel-Premier Tech
Simon Yates is set to race for Visma-Lease a Bike in 2025 with a two-year contract understood to be agreed between the British rider and the Dutch team.
No contracts can officially be signed until the UCI’s August 1 window opens but we understand that the major terms of the contract have been settled and that the former Vuelta a España winner will join the team of Jonas Vingegaard and Sepp Kuss next season.
Yates, 31, has been with Jayco AlUla since turning pro with the Australian team at the start of 2014. Having become one of the most decorated British riders in the men’s WorldTour, Yates headed into this season with several options ahead of him.
Jayco AlUla were initially keen on keeping their veteran leader and during the spring they gave Yates time and space to consider a possible contract extension. The team are set to sign Ben O’Connor as a replacement in week-long races and Grand Tours.
Visma-Lease a Bike and Israel-Premier Tech were in the frame to sign Yates.
Both teams could offer leadership roles at different levels but the chance of racing alongside Vingegaard and targeting the Tour de France was a likely deciding factor in Yates’ decision.
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Interesting move! 🤔
On his day Yates is world class. Can see him being super competitive in week long races and he brings huge experience. I think he’s gone to Visma for the race opportunities rather than the cash too.