Visma | Lease a Bike bids farewell to Jacco Verhaeren. The former swimming coach joined the Dutch team after Merijn Zeeman left to join the AZ soccer club. But after two years, their collaboration will come to an end. The Head of Sport Management has decided, by mutual agreement, not to renew his contract. In the past, Verhaeren served as the swimming coach for Dutch athletes ad achieved great success, including at the Olympic Games. The move to cycling was a new challenge. However, on the
Visma | Lease a Bike website, he announced that he is stepping down from his role.
"Over the past few months, I've deliberately taken the time to reflect on my role within the team and the direction in which we're heading," Verhaeren begins his story. "In doing so, I've come to the conclusion that, for the next phase, this team needs someone else to take the next steps."
"I am proud of what we have built together, navigating a challenging transition while maintaining a high level of performance. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with a top-tier team at the highest level and to further develop both myself and others. I will take the knowledge and experience I’ve gained here with me as I face the challenges that lie ahead,” Verhaeren concludes.
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Verhaeren's successor has not yet been determined
CEO Richard Plugge regrets Verhaeren’s departure. “Jacco is a top-notch coach who has proven within our team that he can work well with both riders and coaches. He has made a significant contribution to the transition to and development of our sports management. Sometimes the next phase of an organization calls for a different approach. We are grateful to him for his contribution and will work together over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”
Verhaeren will continue to work at Visma | Lease a Bike through December 31. The team says that the future of the Sport Management Team will become clear in the coming period. Coach Tim Heemskerk and sports manager
Grischa Niermann have already left the Dutch team.