Sunday, December 31, 2023 at 9:57 AM
Jumbo-Visma, from January 1 Visma | Lease a Bike says goodbye to cyclist Lennard Hofstede. The 29-year-old driver has decided to end his professional cycling career. “I had felt it coming for a while,” the Dutchman said in a press release.
“To be clear, this is not a difficult or unpleasant decision. I’ve felt it coming for a while. I have not been completely fit lately and I have gradually lost the pleasure of competing,” says Hofstede. “And that is the essence of my professional cycling life.”
“That is why this decision feels good and I am especially grateful for the many wonderful experiences I have had here. I actually stop with a smile. And at the same time I will support the entire Team Visma | Lease a Bike family also miss it. They were very beautiful and intense years together.”
Hofstede took his first steps with the training team of (then) Rabobank, moved to Team Sunweb after a few seasons, but returned to the old nest at the end of 2018. Hofstede grew into a reliable and valued helper: he played an important role in Primoz Roglic’s Vuelta victory in 2020. The last two years have been more difficult due to physical discomfort.
Zeeman: “We will certainly miss Lennard”
Sporting director Merijn Zeeman speaks highly of Hofstede. “We will certainly miss Lennard. He was always valuable. It’s also brave of him to make that decision. He can be proud of his career and so are we. We wish Lennard all the best in his future life.”
2023-12-31 08:57:00
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