Strong team display by Team Visma | Lease a Bike in neutralised eleventh Vuelta stage
# Team Visma | Lease a Bike Shines Despite Challenges in Eleventh Vuelta Stage
In a stage marked by unpredictability, Team Visma | Lease a Bike showcased their strength and teamwork during the eleventh stage of the Vuelta a España, held in Bilbao. The event, characterized by several categorized climbs, was overshadowed by safety concerns, prompting CEO Richard Plugge to address the need for security during protests. He stated, “It is very unfortunate that such a decision is necessary to guarantee the safety of the riders. Everyone has the right to protest, but it should never put others in danger. As a team, we do our job by giving our best every day and fighting for victory. We expect the police and the race organization to do their job in keeping the riders safe and ensuring a fair race. We once again urge all spectators to do everything possible to keep our riders safe.”
The stage, highlighting the Basque coastal region, was anticipated by Team Visma | Lease a Bike as a prime opportunity to showcase their talent. Starting in the leader’s jersey, Jonas Vingegaard found the route compatible with his strengths. The team demonstrated close control over the peloton, racing to reel in three early breakaways. As the race progressed, Team Visma riders remained vigilant, especially during the double ascent of the Alto del Vivero.
The narrative became electric on the final climb when Tom Pidcock launched an attack, securing six bonus seconds at the summit, while Vingegaard followed closely with four seconds. Both cyclists approached the three-kilometer mark side by side, where official times were recorded.
Reflecting on the day, Vingegaard said, “We produced a very strong team performance and that’s what I will mainly remember from today.” He expressed mixed emotions about the race, especially as he aimed to honor his son’s birthday with a win: “I wanted to win for my son, who is celebrating his birthday today. We worked hard all day, so of course it’s disappointing not to get the chance. I didn’t really feel unsafe at any point, but we did notice something was happening when we passed the finish the first time. After hearing about the neutralization, it was a bit difficult to regain focus, but soon after that Pidcock attacked. I reacted to his move and we decided to push on together.”
Sports director Jesper Mørkøv echoed Vingegaard’s sentiments, noting, “We’re left with mixed feelings. We had clearly set our sights on this stage. It’s a pity we couldn’t fight for the victory, but given the scenes at the finish, the decision was understandable. From a sporting perspective, I once again saw a strong Jonas today, excellently supported by his team. That gives us confidence for the rest of this race.”
Despite the lack of a victory, Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s collaboration and resilience set a powerful example for the remainder of the Vuelta. As they look ahead, their focus remains on teamwork and performance amidst the challenges of competitive cycling.
🇪🇸 #LaVuelta25 No win, but still some great teamwork. 🐝 pic.twitter.com/pvaAA4hPIQ— Team Visma | Lease a Bike (@vismaleaseabike) September 3, 2025
