Key Visma domestique extends contract in major win for Vingegaard and Van Aert's squad: 'Glad this story continues'

Christophe Laporte has finally officially extended his contract with Visma | Lease a Bike. The 33-year-old Frenchman joined the Dutch team from Cofidis in 2022 and has established himself as a key rider in the classics and sprints over the past few years.

In a press release, Visma | Lease a Bike announced that Laporte has signed a new contract that will keep him with the team through 2027, 2028, and 2029. This deal had seemed to be in the works for several months, after interest from other teams appeared to have been rebuffed.

Visma | Lease a Bike refers to the extension of “a successful partnership.” In recent years, Laporte has proven to be a crucial part of the team’s successes, both as a support rider and in his own right.

He has won 13 times since joining Visma | Lease a Bike, including stage victories in Paris-Nice, the Tour de France, and the Critérium du Dauphiné. He also proved to be a valuable asset in one-day races, winning Gent-Wevelgem and Paris-Tours, and he was also crowned European champion once.

Laporte also proved to be a valuable asset as a support rider in the Grand Tours and mass sprints, so the contract extension came as no surprise to either party. “I’m very happy to be continuing with this team. I’ve already had some amazing moments, and I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me.”

Laporte feels right at home with the yellow-and-black team and hopes for a few more successful seasons. “I hope we can achieve even more great things together, and I’m glad this story continues.”

Head of Racing Marc Reef is also delighted with Laporte's signing. "Christophe has shown just how valuable he is—a rider with the qualities to win classics and other major races. But he also always puts the team first."

"We can count on Christophe in all kinds of situations, and his experience is extremely valuable to the team."