Jonas Vingegaard's former coach jumps to rival team just three months after sudden Visma-Lease a Bike exit

Tim Heemskerk, former coach of Jonas Vingegaard, has made a swift return to professional cycling by joining the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team just three months after his unexpected departure from Visma-Lease a Bike. Heemskerk had been instrumental in Vingegaard’s rise since 2019, contributing to the Dane’s two Tour de France victories and his recent Vuelta a España triumph. His sudden exit from Visma in February, citing a loss of creative passion, came as a surprise given the apparent intention to continue their partnership through 2026. Heemskerk’s move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe was confirmed on 13 May, with the team welcoming his expertise in managing Grand Tour riders. Although the exact riders he will coach have not been disclosed, he is expected to oversee the training of selected WorldTour athletes within a squad that includes star rider Remco Evenepoel and notable Grand Tour contenders such as Giulio Pellizzari, Florian Lipowitz, and Primož Roglič. This appointment comes amid recent changes in the team’s coaching structure, including the impending departure of long-time coaching director Dan Lorang. Zak Dempster, Chief of Sports at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, emphasised Heemskerk’s valuable experience and the team’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and high-performance coaching environment. The team highlighted that all their WorldTour coaches have a history of guiding riders to Grand Tour victories and podium finishes, signalling their ambition to maintain and enhance their competitive edge. Heemskerk’s addition is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the coaching group as they prepare for the upcoming season. The implications of Heemskerk’s transition are significant for both teams involved. Visma-Lease a Bike loses a key figure behind one of the sport’s leading talents, while Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe gains a coach with a proven track record at the highest level. This development could influence rider performance and team dynamics in the WorldTour, particularly as the cycling calendar approaches major Grand Tours. Observers will be keen to see how Heemskerk’s expertise translates within his new environment and which riders will benefit most from his guidance.