Team Visma Skips Spring Classics, Raising Eyebrows

The team's surprising race decisions have fans and riders wondering about their strategy.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:37am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a cycling race, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of dark grey, steel blue, and charcoal colors, conceptually representing the complex strategic decisions facing Team Visma.Team Visma's unconventional decision to skip key spring classics raises questions about their strategic approach to the 2026 season.Burlington Today

Team Visma | Lease a Bike is making some unexpected race decisions, skipping two prominent spring classics - the Ronde van Brugge and De Brabantse Pijl. This move has left fans and riders alike questioning the team's strategy, as they had the potential to excel in these races.

Why it matters

The team's decision to skip these classics is particularly intriguing, given their past success and the importance of these events in the cycling calendar. The move has sparked debates about whether it's a calculated strategy or a risky gamble.

The details

Despite impressive results in these races last year, such as Wout van Aert's second-place finish at De Brabantse Pijl, the team has opted not to participate this time around. The team's reasoning for these absences remains unclear, as they are not required to attend the Ronde van Brugge due to its recent addition to the World Tour calendar.

  • The Ronde van Brugge, formerly known as Classic Brugge - De Panne, is a World Tour event that will take place in the spring of 2026.
  • De Brabantse Pijl, a challenging race with steep climbs and cobbled sectors, is scheduled for the spring of 2026.

The players

Team Visma | Lease a Bike

A professional cycling team that competes in the World Tour, known for its strategic decision-making and potential to excel in the spring classics.

Wout van Aert

A Belgian cyclist who rides for Team Visma | Lease a Bike and finished second at the De Brabantse Pijl last year.

Matthew Brennan

A Belgian cyclist who rides for Team Visma | Lease a Bike and could have a strong chance of victory at the Ronde van Brugge, a race that favors sprinters.

Christophe Laporte

A French cyclist who rides for Team Visma | Lease a Bike and is expected to be an early favorite at races like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Le Samyn.

Jonas Vingegaard

A Danish cyclist who rides for Team Visma | Lease a Bike and is set to return to racing at Paris-Nice after facing setbacks with injuries and illnesses.

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What’s next

The team's performance and results in the upcoming races, such as Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne, and Le Samyn, will be closely watched to see if their decision to skip the spring classics pays off.

The takeaway

Team Visma's surprising race decisions have left the cycling community wondering about their strategy and the potential impact on their top riders. While the team's approach may be unconventional, it could be a calculated move to manage rider fatigue and focus on specific goals. However, the risk of this strategy backfiring is also a concern, and the team's performance in the upcoming races will be crucial in determining the success or failure of their plan.