Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women has secured the future of one of its most promising riders, with Lieke Nooijen signing a two-year contract extension while continuing her recovery from a fractured vertebra. It’s a move that underlines both the rider’s long-term ambitions and the team’s investment in its next generation.
Nooijen’s 2023 season made an immediate impact. The Dutch time trial specialist stepped up with six wins in her debut year, including two stages and the overall at the Princess Anna Vasa Tour. She also claimed silver at the Dutch National Time Trial Championships, highlighting her potential in both stage races and individual efforts against the clock. A consistent presence through the spring, she was quickly becoming a key part of Visma’s Classics group before injury struck.
Her crash at a January training camp required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process. That recovery is now progressing well, according to the rider. “The recovery from the fracture is going smoothly, and little by little I can increase my training load,” Nooijen said. “I can’t wait to race again and fight for victories with this team.”
Photo Credit: Visma | Lease a BikeIt’s the sense of progression and structure that seems to have made the difference in her contract renewal. “In my first season with Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women, I made great progress right away,” she said. “The team offers me a nice environment to grow. I highly value the close ties with my teammates and staff members. That makes it a joy to give my all every day.”
At just 23, Nooijen still has time on her side, and her development trajectory suggests she could play a much bigger role once fully fit. With Visma continuing to shape its women’s squad around time trial strength and stage-race consistency, her skillset remains a perfect fit. While there’s no confirmed return date yet, she will likely target a late-season comeback, with an eye on time trials and shorter stage races before 2025.
