Richard Plugge

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News

What Is Going On at Visma-Lease a Bike? Another Top Manager Exits as Sponsor Hunt Heats Up

The ‘Killer Bees’ keep delivering on the road, but another high-profile departure raises questions behind the scenes at the Dutch superteam as it hunts for a new title sponsor.

Andrew HoodSeptember 21, 2026

Tour de France

Tour de France Riders Blast 2 A.M. Anti-Doping Controls, Even If Rules Allow It

Tour de France riders condemn overnight anti-doping controls that woke Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar, though regulations allow surprise testing at any time.

Andrew HoodJuly 19, 20263

Tour de France

Fever Pitch: Negotiations over Paul Seixas Ramp up Even Higher as Another Super Team Confirms Interest

Dizzying contract offers likely to drive up salary offers as 19 year old competes in his first Tour de France.

Shane StokesJuly 7, 2026

Vuelta a España

‘That Should Not Happen': Vingegaard Vents Frustration, Plugge Cautions Vuelta Protests Impacting GC

Visma boss Richard Plugge expresses growing safety concerns amid Vuelta turmoil: 'That has an impact on the outcome.'

Andrew HoodSeptember 10, 2025

Tour de France

‘I Would Be Ashamed’: Visma Boss Blasts Tour de France Over Crash Highlight Reels

Crash highlight reels trigger safety debate at the Tour de France: 'No matter what ASO says, they love crashes.'

Andrew HoodJuly 13, 20251

Road Racing

Is Pro Cycling Selling Its Soul? The Costly Future Fans Don’t See Coming

Tour de Hoody: Big money is pouring into cycling, but is anyone asking if it's good for the sport and cycling's fans?

Andrew HoodMarch 6, 20253

Road Racing

Sponsor Shock: Rabobank Returns to Partner Visma-Lease a Bike

Dutch mega-bank will take a space of the Visma jersey from the Tour de France onward, 12 years after exiting cycling in the grizzly fallout of the EPO era.

Jim CottonFebruary 27, 20251

Road Racing

Racing's Extreme Makeover Explained: What is 'One Cycling'? Will It Happen? Who's Behind It?

What is 'One Cycling', and could it reshape professional cycling? We dive into the proposed overhaul to racing's economic model, its key backers, and whether it could become a reality by 2026.

Chris Marshall-BellJanuary 25, 2025

News

'We Go Back 30 Years at Worlds': Visma Boss Calls for Independent Safety Panel in Wake of Tragedy

Police continue to investigate the timeline in the tragic death of Muriel Furrer with renewed urgency for change: 'No compromises on safety.'

Andrew HoodOctober 4, 2024

Road

'A Complete Farce': Top Brass at UCI, Visma-Lease a Bike in Beef Over Race Radio Trials

UCI president David Lappartient accuses Richard Plugge of spreading 'fake news' in social media spat over tests to reduce in-race radios.

Jim CottonAugust 15, 2024

Tour de France

‘This Is Redemption’: Jonas Vingegaard Makes Brave Comeback and Shakes Up Tour de France

'I really believed I was going to die three months ago': Vingegaard reacts after pegging back Pogačar and hopes stage win is turning point for him and Visma team.

Andy McGrathJuly 10, 2024

Road Racing

Opinion: Visma-Lease a Bike's Woes Extend Beyond Looming Tour de France Crisis

The blighted spring of the 'Killer Bees' is deeper than a string of debilitating crashes, and the team that completed a 'grand tour grand slam' is facing more behind-the-scenes upheaval and uncertainty.

Jeremy WhittleJune 12, 2024

Giro d'Italia

Wheels Continue to Come Off Visma-Lease a Bike: Cian Uijtdebroeks Exits Giro d'Italia

A year after sweeping all three grand tours, the 'Killer Bees' are reeling from injuries and illnesses, and it remains uncertain if Wout Van Aert or Jonas Vingegaard will race the Tour de France.

Andrew HoodMay 15, 2024

Road

Cycling's 'Champions League' on Hold for Now: 'Not Much is Happening'

'Unfortunately that has been at a standstill for a while,’ says Visma-Lease a Bike’s Richard Plugge who hints at possible 2026 rollout.

Shane StokesDecember 23, 2023

Road Racing

Cian Uijtdebroeks in Surprise Move to Visma-Lease a Bike, Billed as Future Leader

Young Belgian talent ends Bora-Hansgrohe contract one year early to move to Dutch superteam.

Shane StokesDecember 9, 2023

Road Racing

Will Saudi Arabia Give Professional Cycling the LIV Golf Treatment?

New details emerge on plans to create a new 'super league,' but not everyone is happy about the plans.

Shane StokesOctober 30, 2023

Tour de France

Can Jonas Vingegaard Make it Three in a Row? 'This Tour de France is Harder Than Last Year'

Jumbo-Visma won't be trying to repeat its 2023 grand tour sweep and no one likes the gravel sectors: 'You can lose more than you can gain.'

Andrew HoodOctober 25, 2023

Road Racing

Report: 'Lease-a-Bike' to be New Co-Sponsor at Jumbo-Visma

According to media reports, the grand tour team is linking up with a Dutch cycling conglomerate to assure its future.

Andrew HoodOctober 16, 2023

Road Racing

Jumbled Visma: 'Mega Merger' Would Reshape the WorldTour, but at What Cost?

Analysis: The head-spinning story keeps evolving, with new reports that Patrick Lefevere might form a 'place-holder team' if Soudal Quick-Step closes shop.

Andrew HoodOctober 4, 2023

Road

Amazon Linked as New Jumbo-Visma Partner

A Dutch TV show reveals that online shopping giant Amazon will step up as an important backer in 2024.

Andrew HoodSeptember 28, 2023