Team Visma | Lease a Bike is at the very top of the cycling world and getting a contract in it is a difficult task, regardless of the quality of the rider. 36-year old Julien Vermote, in the final years of his career and after an entire season without a team, found himself racing for one of the very best teams but that time is now coming to an end. However, he is not putting a stop to his career and is actively looking for a new contract.”It was partly a surprise. The team is happy with me, but they’re taking several things into account. Rejuvenation is one of them. Personally, I think performance is the most decisive factor, but it is what it is; ultimately, it’s the team that decides,” Vermote shared with Krant van West-Vlaanderen.
Vermote was signed for two seasons with the Dutch team, providing experience and quality for the classics, however mostly providing a road captain role. After 69 race days in 2024 without Grand Tours and 63 – at the time of publishing – this year, he has been on a very busy schedule specially taking into consideration he’s done plenty one-day races. This year he was at the likes of Strade Bianche, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Clà sica San Sebastià n and Paris-Tours, and is ending his time with the team at the Tour of Holland.
Vermote in one of his final races with Visma. @Imago
A rough situation but a hopeful Vermote
Continuing in the World Tour is a tough task but a possible one. However within a Belgian team certainly is a very big ask after the merger of Lotto and Intermarché left all positions completely filled. “The situation isn’t exactly rosy, of course, due to the merger between Lotto and Intermarché, but we’ll see what the future holds. A lot of focus is on young talent these days, but experience is also important,” he argues. “I have that. Hopefully, things will become clear soon.”
Vermote has had a long and successful career, being one of the best domestiques of the past decade and a half specially during his time in Quick-Step, but is not ready to end it just yet. “When I’m done with racing, I’ll just do something else. But I repeat: I’m still performing at a good level, so I don’t want to stop now.”