French team Decathlon AG2R makes generous offer to key Visma | Lease a Bike rider Tiesj Benoot

Benoot joined Visma | Lease a Bike from Team DSM in 2022 and immediately became a key figure, both in the classics and in stage racing. In 2023, he won Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne and played a crucial role in many of the team's successes during the spring and the Tour de France, while also consistently delivering strong individual results.

Other teams have certainly taken notice, and with his contract expiring, the 31-year-old Benoot finds himself in a strong bargaining position. According to Wielerflits, Decathlon AG2R is currently the front-runner to secure his services for next season. The French squad is looking to strengthen its presence in the spring classics, where Oliver Naesen is currently their main contender.

Behind the scenes, the Lille-based sports group is working on a long-term project, which also includes 18-year-old Paul Seixas, who is currently impressing at the Tour of the Alps. Last year, the team already promoted several talented riders to the main squad, and within a few seasons, riding Van Rysel bikes, they aim to be among the best teams in the world, preferably with a large portion of the roster coming from their own Next Gen development team.

For Benoot, a three-year contract, running until the end of 2028, is reportedly on the table. Visma | Lease a Bike, of course, would prefer not to lose him and wants to keep him, but whether that will actually happen is something we will find out in the near future.