Lotto Intermarché coach Aike Visbeek explains his shock departure: 'It has to do with personal circumstances'

Lotto Intermarché caused quite a shock on Tuesday, announcing the departure of a team director and sports manager, just four days before the Tour de France. On X, Lotto-Intermarché announced that the team was parting ways with Aike Visbeek effective immediately. The outgoing coach spoke to De Telegraaf about this decision, which wasn’t actually all that sudden.

"It may sound as if something dramatic has happened within the team, but I took the initiative myself," Visbeek says, getting straight to the point. The team manager emphasizes: "There is no conflict. I've had a wonderful time here since 2020, during which we've achieved a lot."

So why the split, then? “Sometimes there comes a moment when it’s time to move on and take on a new challenge; for me, that moment has arrived. I already mentioned this to team boss Jean-François (Bourlart, ed.) back in April,” so his departure isn’t nearly as sudden as it initially seemed.

There is a sad reason behind the timing of the breakup. “It has to do with personal circumstances. My father-in-law passed away two days ago, so I’ve decided to spend this summer with my family,” Visbeek said.

The Belgian team understood that decision. “I told Jean-François that, given the situation, I don’t want to go to the Tour and that it would be better for me to quit right away. For my family’s sake, but also because I’m holding up the performance manager position if I stay on. It’s better for them to start looking for someone else right away.”

"This is the best solution for everyone," Visbeek continues. "For the first time in thirteen years, I'll be watching the Tour de France from home." And what’s next? “There’s been some interest from teams here and there over the past few months, but I’m in no rush. First, we have to go through a process at home, and then we’ll see what happens.”