Reorganization at the top of the Team Visma | Lease a Bike. Starting October 1st, with the departure of Merijn Zeemanthe Dutch team will have a pool of five men who will manage the team Richard Plugge, each with their own areas of expertise and responsibility. Led by the historic CEO, the team will therefore have a new organizational structure composed of Grischa Niermann, Jacco Verhaeren, Mathieu Heijboer, Robert de Groot And Patrick Broe., who will try to continue building on the foundations that have led to the numerous successes of recent years with the aim of making history again with the men’s WorldTour team, also bringing the youth team and the women’s team to new excellence.
“I am proud to have these exceptional professionals on board with their experience and knowledge of the organization’s culture to further strengthen Team Visma | Lease a Bike in the areas of strategy, coaching, innovation, nutrition, scouting and talent development – comments Richard Plugge – We have always said that we wanted to resolve Merijn Zeeman’s unfortunate departure internally. For this reason we have left the matter in the hands of our well-known specialists, who will do so in close collaboration with the entire staff.”
Grischa Niermann will be responsible for the race strategy, selection and overall composition of the rider groups. In addition to his role as sports manager, Niermann will continue to participate in various races as sports director.
Jacco Verhaeren, already part of the coaching group this year, will join the sports management to further strengthen our organization with his experience as a high-level swimming coach and with an external vision. As a coach of coaches, trainer and sports innovator. And with particular attention to the personal development of all the runners of the men’s and women’s teams.
Mathieu Heijboer, previously head of performance, will be responsible for innovation in nutrition, equipment and training. Heijboer will combine this role with that of coaching several riders.
Robbert de Groot remains the driving force of the Development Team, which has developed riders such as Olav Kooij, Johannes Staune-Mittet, Per Strand Hagenes and brothers Tim and Mick van Dijke. He will continue to be responsible for talent development in sports management.
Patrick Broe has already joined the team as a consultant for race analysis and strategy. He will continue to fill this role in sports management, bringing talent and working with the Visma | team Lease a Bike Women’s World Tour. Furthermore, he will advise the sales team with his innovative ideas.
