Victor Campenaerts has established himself as a vital support rider for Jonas Vingegaard within the Visma-Lease a Bike team structure, according to team CEO Richard Plugge. The Belgian rider returned to the Dutch squad in 2025 after previously riding for the team in 2016 and 2017, taking on a clearly defined role focused on supporting Vingegaard in Grand Tour campaigns.
Plugge expressed strong confidence in Campenaerts’ contributions, stating that the rider’s perform both on and off the bike enhances the team’s dynamics. “Victor is an incredible rider. What he does besides cycling, similarly towards Jonas, makes him even better,” Plugge said in an interview with HLN, as reported by Wielerkrant.be on April 24, 2026.
The CEO emphasized that Campenaerts has become a culture carrier within the squad, noting his importance alongside established figures like Wout van Aert. Despite being back with the team for just over a year, Plugge considers Campenaerts already integral to the team’s identity, and approach.
Campenaerts’ value lies in his consistent support during stage races, particularly evident in his work during the March 2026 Paris-Nice race where he helped secure Vingegaard’s overall victory. His efforts in the “Koers naar de Zon” (Race to the Sun) further demonstrated his effectiveness in a supporting role, with Plugge highlighting the rider’s willingness to share ideas and contribute to team strategy.
The Belgian rider has expressed preference for stage races over one-day events, finding greater suitability in his role as a domestique within the team’s Grand Tour ambitions. Since his return, Campenaerts has committed to riding for Visma-Lease a Bike through the end of the 2027 season, providing stability to the team’s support structure.
Visma-Lease a Bike maintains a structured approach to team operations, which Campenaerts has praised for allowing him to perform his role effectively. The team’s emphasis on clear role definition and organizational consistency has been cited as a factor in the successful integration of returning riders like Campenaerts.
As the team prepares for upcoming Grand Tours including the Giro d’Italia, Campenaerts continues to work closely with Vingegaard, with both riders focusing on their preparation for the demanding stage race schedule ahead.
Moving forward, Visma-Lease a Bike will rely on Campenaerts’ experience and work ethic as they target success in major stage races, with the rider’s contract extending through 2027 ensuring his continued availability for the team’s campaigns.
For ongoing updates on Visma-Lease a Bike’s preparations and rider roles, fans can follow the team’s official channels and cycling news outlets.
