Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women have secured the long-term future of one of their key young sprinters, with 21-year-old Nienke Veenhoven extending her contract by three years. The Dutch rider, who joined the squad in 2023, will now remain with the team until the end of 2028.
Veenhoven’s progress since arriving has been clear across the past two seasons. Her development as a sprinter has been matched by improvements in race positioning and tactical awareness, something the team’s management has been keen to emphasise.
“I truly feel at home here,” Veenhoven said. “I have a great connection with my coach, the team management and staff, and I get along really well with the other riders. I hope to continue developing, with the goal of competing for podiums in every sprint.”
Team manager Rutger Tijssen spoke highly of her growth, describing her as one of the squad’s rising sprinting talents. “Nienke has developed into a strong sprinter over the past two years. She’s made impressive strides and is showing she has the potential to compete in bunch sprints at WorldTour level.”
Tijssen also sees her future extending beyond flat finishes. “I expect she can be a contender for victory in races like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Gent-Wevelgem in the future,” he added, noting her potential in the Flemish Classics.
Veenhoven is part of Visma’s emerging sprint duo alongside Trofee Maarten Wynants winner Martina Fidanza. The two have formed a close bond, both on and off the bike, building a lead-out partnership that is maturing with each race.
“We’ve built a great connection,” Veenhoven explained. “We genuinely support each other’s success. We want to lead out for one another. We haven’t been racing together that long, but the trust is growing and we’re getting better with every race. I learn a lot from her, which makes it all the more valuable.”
Tijssen echoed that sentiment: “Martina and Nienke are two different types of sprinters who can complement each other. In lead-outs they support one another, and in training they push each other to raise their level. I believe they can bring out the best in each other.”
