Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women has confirmed the signing of 20-year-old Marion Bunel, the 2023 Tour de l’Avenir champion. The French rider, widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the sport, will join the team for the 2025 season after her current contract with St Michel-Mavic-Auber93 comes to an end. Bunel’s deal will keep her with the Dutch squad for three years, where she will line up alongside stars such as Marianne Vos and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot.
“It’s a dream come true,” Bunel shared, clearly delighted at the prospect of joining one of the world’s leading teams. “Team Visma | Lease a Bike is one of the best teams in the world and I’m honoured to join them next season. I believe this is the perfect next step for my career. I couldn’t ask for better facilities or teammates.” Reflecting on her journey so far, Bunel added, “I’ve always been trained by my father, so I’m looking forward to a different approach to training.”
The young rider has had a breakthrough season, clinching two stages and securing third place in the youth classification at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Her win at the Tour de l’Avenir further cemented her status as a top climber. Team manager Rutger Tijssen noted how Bunel had caught the team’s eye after that victory. “Marion is a great talent, especially in the mountains. We approached her last year after the Tour de l’Avenir, impressed by her riding style. We’re very happy that she chose us, and I think she is happy to take her next step with our team.”
Bunel will have the opportunity to develop under the guidance of some of the sport’s most experienced riders, including Ferrand-Prévot, who recently announced her return to road racing. “I have been following Pauline for a long time. She’s a great role model for me and many others,” Bunel explained. “I’m thrilled to be on the same team as her for the next few years. I’ll try to learn as much as possible.”
While Bunel is excited for what lies ahead, she remains focused on her long-term development. “My first Tour de France has really motivated me for the future,” she said, recognising the challenges that come with competing at the top level. “Of course, it would be great to win a stage or even the Tour one day, but for now, I want to learn and gain as much experience as possible.”
Tijssen has made it clear that Bunel’s growth will be handled carefully. “We’re not going to hold her back, but we’re not going to throw her in at the deep end either. These things take time,” he explained, signalling that the team is committed to supporting her progression at a manageable pace.
