Hofstede has been a member of our team for a long time. He started with the Rabobank Development Team in 2013 and rode there until 2016. After a brief foray with Team Sunweb, he returned to us in 2018. Hofstede was a strong and loyal helper and had a memorable part in Primoz Roglic's 2020 Vuelta victory, among other things, when he did a great effort on the penultimate day, securing the overall victory for the Slovenian.

The last two years were more difficult due to physical discomfort. During this winter break, Hofstede therefore came to the conclusion to end his career.

Hofstede: "To be clear, this is not a difficult or unpleasant decision. I felt it was coming for a while. I was not completely fit lately and I gradually lost the pleasure in riding races. And that is the essence of my professional cycling life. Therefore, this decision feels good and I am especially grateful for the many great experiences I have had here. I am really stopping with a smile. And at the same time, I am also going to miss the whole Team Visma | Lease a Bike family. They were very beautiful and intense years together."

Sports director Merijn Zeeman: "We are definitely going to miss Lennard. He was always of value. It is also brave of him to make that decision. He can be proud of his career, and so are we. We wish Lennard all the best in his further life."