DEAL CLOSED: Visma-Lease a Bike Secures Rabobank as Sponsor in Landmark 3.5-Year Agreement.

Rabobank makes a return to professional cycling sponsorship after more than a decade, partnering with Visma-Lease a Bike in a significant multi-year deal.

In a major development for professional cycling, Dutch banking giant Rabobank has announced its return to the sport as a sponsor of Visma-Lease a Bike. The three-and-a-half-year agreement marks Rabobank’s first major cycling sponsorship since its withdrawal from the sport in 2012.

The partnership comes at a time when Visma-Lease a Bike is one of the most dominant teams in the peloton, boasting Grand Tour victories and a roster of world-class riders. With Rabobank’s financial backing, the team is expected to further strengthen its position at the top of the sport.

A Historic Return to Cycling

Rabobank was once one of the most influential sponsors in professional cycling, supporting a team that competed at the highest level from 1996 to 2012. However, the bank ended its sponsorship following doping controversies, choosing to distance itself from the sport. Now, after more than a decade, Rabobank sees an opportunity to re-enter professional cycling with a fresh approach.

In a statement, Rabobank’s spokesperson highlighted the bank’s renewed commitment to the sport:

“Cycling remains an integral part of Dutch culture, and we believe now is the right time to support the sport once again. Visma-Lease a Bike embodies the values of teamwork, innovation, and excellence that align with Rabobank’s mission.”

Visma-Lease a Bike’s Growing Dominance

Visma-Lease a Bike has emerged as one of the strongest teams in professional cycling, winning all three Grand Tours in 2023. Led by riders such as Jonas Vingegaard, Wout van Aert, and Primož Roglič (who has since moved to Bora-Hansgrohe), the team has set new standards in performance and strategy.

The sponsorship deal with Rabobank will provide additional financial stability, allowing the team to invest further in rider development, equipment, and staff. Team manager Richard Plugge welcomed the partnership, emphasizing the shared vision between the two organizations:

“Rabobank has a rich history in cycling, and their return is a testament to the positive direction the sport is heading. This partnership will help us continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in cycling.”

What This Means for the Future

The return of Rabobank signals growing confidence in professional cycling’s future. With increased sponsorship from major corporations, teams like Visma-Lease a Bike can continue to develop talent and push the sport forward.

For Dutch cycling fans, the partnership also brings a sense of nostalgia, as Rabobank was once synonymous with Dutch cycling success. Now, with Visma-Lease a Bike at the top of the sport, the collaboration could usher in a new golden era for Dutch cycling.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Visma-Lease a Bike to see how this new partnership will impact the team’s performance on the road.