Campenaerts was already part of the team, known then as Team LottoNL-Jumbo, in 2016 and 2017. During that period, the Belgian developed himself as a time trial specialist, winning the European title in that discipline. Since then, both the team and Campenaerts have made impressive strides. Team Visma | Lease a Bike has won the Tour de France twice and, in 2023, managed to win all three Grand Tours in one single season. Campenaerts, on his part, became the world hour record holder and won stages in the Giro d’Italia and, this summer, in the Tour de France.

"We still know Victor well from his previous time with the team and have kept in good contact since then," says team director Grischa Niermann, who will be part of the sports management of Team Visma | Lease a Bike starting next season. "He is a very strong rider, with a good time trial, as he proved again in this Tour de France. By now, he is also a very experienced rider known for his pursuit of innovations. We can really use that experience."

Whereas Campenaerts left the team after his first stint to pursue more personal opportunities, he returns with the clear ambition to contribute to the performances of the team leaders in the Grand Tours. "We see him as a very valuable asset for the team in that regard," says Niermann. "Due to his experience and physical capabilities."

The 32-year-old Belgian is looking forward to it: "Throughout my career, I have always set ambitious but realistic goals. I have often achieved them, like in this past Tour de France. My ultimate goal is to one day win the Tour de France. I am not capable of doing so myself, but I can be a successful part of the team that achieves that victory. And with that goal, you naturally look to Team Visma | Lease a Bike. I hope I can make the Tour squad next year. This team is the benchmark when it comes to stage racing, so I’m very happy to return."