Graat on the rise: 23-year-old Visma | Lease a Bike climbing talent ‘has taken another step’ after first WT season

Graat, a former footballer at Volharding, has not even been cycling for very long. His rise through the U23 ranks was rapid, with the now 23-year-old winning several prestigious races in that category in 2023. In 2024, he finished third in the Tour de l’Avenir, which helped earn him a full-time professional place with Visma | Lease a Bike in 2025.shed third in the Tour de l'Avenir, to use that result to become a full-time pro with Visma | Lease a Bike in 2025.

Last year therefore marked the first real WorldTour season for the 23-year-old, who proved valuable to his team and also showed glimpses of his own potential in races such as the Tour de Suisse, the Czech Tour and the Tour of Slovakia.

In February, he showed in the United Arab Emirates that he had taken another step over the winter by finishing 17th overall in the UAE Tour at WorldTour level. “The first race, the Tour of Oman, was a bit less because I was involved in that crash with Bart Lemmen. That wasn’t pleasant, but fortunately I recovered quickly and then got the chance to bounce back in the UAE Tour. And that went really well, yes.”

Graat was pleased with the result. “When Jonas had to leave the race, everyone got a bit more freedom. Those are the moments when you have to show yourself, and then of course I’m happy that I managed to do that.”

“There was a new climb in the race and it was very steep, but you could also see with someone like Isaac del Toro that it was important to ride your own pace. That’s what I did as well, and then you can go a very long way,” said Graat, who finished one place ahead of Remco Evenepoel on Jebel Mobrah. “I didn’t check it very often, but friends certainly pointed it out to me, haha.”

So, a promising first indicator for 2026. “My first year on the WorldTour gave me a lot of experience and substance, so now, after a good rest period over the winter, I can build on that. I’ve had a very consistent season, and that also helps lay a solid foundation for the years ahead.”

‘I knew I’d had a very good winter and taken a step forward, but you still have to prove that in the races,’ he continues. ‘I’m glad I managed to do that in one of the first races of the season, but I’m also certain there’s more to come in the upcoming races.’

After the trip to the Middle East, Graat added Strade Bianche to his schedule as a replacement for Louis Barré and Ben Tulett. “That was a surprise. I got a call from Grischa saying they needed someone else, and as a gravel specialist (laughs), they naturally turned to me.”

“But I could still be of value to the guys. I also have a good relationship with Wout van Aert, whom I’ve known for a while now. When we’re both in Spain, we like to go out riding together,” he says.

This week, Graat is back in Italy for the Coppi and Bartali Cycling Week. “After Coppi and Bartali, I’ll ride Gran Camino, the Tour de Romandie, Occitanie, and the Andorra Classic. I hope to seize my opportunities in those smaller races and support the team in Romandie.”

“And I’m on the long list for the Vuelta, so that’s something I’ve got in the back of my mind and for which I want to prove myself. I hope to gain extra experience and build my endurance with a Grand Tour. The World Championships in Montreal? Koos can give me a call—I’m ready!”