Visma-Lease a Bike boss 'surprised and sad' at Niermann's exit, as Marc Reef unveiled as new head of racing – but the switch won't be immediate

Visma-Lease a Bike's head of coaching Jacco Verhaeren (C) speaks next to Visma-Lease a Bike's Managing Director Richard Plugge of Netherlands (L) and head of racing Grischa Niermann of Germany during the presentation of the Visma-Lease a Bike cycling teams at La Nucia near Alicante, eastern Spain on January 13, 2026. (Photo by Jose Jordan / AFP).

Visma-Lease a Bike have confirmed the changes to their performance management structure, with head of racing Grischa Niermann set to depart the team, and directeur sportif Marc Reef stepping up to replace him.

Team CEO Richard Plugge said he was "surprised" when Niermann told him he would be leaving the team two weeks ago, and that he was "sad and disappointed" to see his friend go after winning 10 Grand Tours together over the years.