The cycling world is abuzz with the question: Can anyone dethrone Tadej Pogacar? Visma | Lease a Bike believes they're closer than ever, and their recent roster moves and strategic shifts suggest they're not just talking the talk. As the new season kicks into gear, all eyes are on this powerhouse team and their bold ambitions for 2026.
For Grischa Niermann, Head of Racing at Visma | Lease a Bike, the off-season has been a whirlwind. Fresh off his first full transfer window, Niermann is gearing up for the Tour of Oman, but his mind is already on the bigger picture: recruitment, strategy, and the ongoing battle with Pogacar. While some signings still bear the mark of his predecessor, Merijn Zeeman, this winter saw Niermann take the reins, resulting in a balanced exchange of nine riders in and nine out.
But here's where it gets controversial: Visma | Lease a Bike is sticking to their philosophy of nurturing talent rather than splurging on established stars. While they’ve lost big names like Olav Kooij, Tiesj Benoot, and Dylan van Baarle, they’ve brought in riders like Louis Barré, Davide Piganzoli, and Bruno Armirail, who they believe have significant room to grow. Niermann explains, “Other teams have more budget, but our philosophy remains consistent. We look for riders who can develop.” This approach has paid off in the past with riders like Jonas Vingegaard and Sepp Kuss, who weren’t household names when they joined.
And this is the part most people miss: Visma’s strategy isn’t just about finding hidden gems; it’s about creating an environment where they can thrive. Take Filippo Fiorelli, for example, who flew under the radar for years. “He’s been flying under the radar for a while—even for me,” Niermann admits with a laugh. Similarly, Davide Piganzoli, who finished third in the Giro dell’Emilia in 2024, caught Niermann’s attention. “Those are riders we believe in—riders who can take a big step in our team.”
Bruno Armirail, on the other hand, brings a different dynamic. With his experience and strength, he’s a problem-solver. “He won’t be a multiple winner, but he will be someone very valuable,” Niermann notes. Armirail’s role in preparing for the Tour de France is particularly crucial, as Visma aims to fill the void left by Benoot’s departure.
Looking ahead to 2026, Visma | Lease a Bike has set ambitious goals: winning the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France, at least one Monument, and a minimum of 41 victories. Here’s the kicker: Last year, they fell just short with 40 wins, 11 of which came from Kooij. Can they bridge that gap without their star sprinter? Niermann is confident, citing their depth and strategic planning. “We have a lot of fast guys,” he says, pointing to riders like Matthew Brennan, Wout van Aert, and Axel Zingle. “The Spring Classics are often decided in sprints, and we’re well-positioned.”
But here’s the real question: Can Jonas Vingegaard finally dethrone Pogacar in the Tour de France? Niermann believes so. “We definitely believe he can be better in the Tour than in the Giro,” he says. This year, Vingegaard will tackle both Grand Tours, a strategy Pogacar successfully executed two years ago. “There are no guarantees, but we have the data from his Tour/Vuelta combinations—and that makes us believe,” Niermann adds.
Visma’s hope is further fueled by Pogacar’s post-Tour comments last year, where he admitted to mental fatigue. “We were close to cracking him,” Niermann reflects. “Now, we’re already busy coming up with a strategy for this year.” But is this approach too risky? Some argue that doubling up on Grand Tours could backfire, leaving Vingegaard exhausted. Niermann, however, remains undeterred. “Beating Tadej in the Tour is the highest thing we can achieve, and that’s what we get up for every morning.”
As the season unfolds, one thing is clear: Visma | Lease a Bike is all-in on their strategy. But will it pay off? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Visma’s approach the key to beating Pogacar, or are they spreading themselves too thin? Let us know in the comments!
