Discover the next generation of climbing talent: Future Bees Talent Days
Subscribe here for the Future Bees Talent Days.
Talent identification and development are in the DNA of Team Visma | Lease a Bike. Over the past six years, 24 riders have progressed to professional cycling after joining our Development Team, 14 of whom have advanced to our WorldTeam. One of our long-term goals is to ultimately win major Classics or the Tour de France with a rider developed entirely within our own program.
To achieve this, we actively seek out young, talented riders who are given the opportunity to reach the very top through our development pyramid.
What is the concept?
Team Visma | Lease a Bike is launching a unique youth climbing test initiative designed to identify and support young riders with outstanding climbing potential. This spring, we will organize standardized uphill tests in the Belgian Ardennes, to offer talented cyclists the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in an objective, performance-focused environment.
Why this initiative?
In youth cycling, especially in Northern and Western Europe, race profiles often limit opportunities for lightweight climbers to stand out. Our initiative addresses this gap by focusing specifically on climbing performance, allowing riders to express their strengths regardless of race dynamics.
Who can apply?
- Male riders born between 2008 and 2011
- Female riders born between 2008 and 2009
- Riders living in Europe
- Motivated athletes willing to travel independently to Belgium
What to expect?
Team Visma | Lease a Bike scouting and performance staff will assess every application and select and invite riders for the Talent Days. Selected riders will take part in a series of standardized uphill tests in the Belgian Ardennes, conducted by the Team Visma | Lease a Bike performance and scouting staff. All participants will receive individual feedback based on their results.
What’s next?
- All participants receive a personal performance feedback report
- Top-performing male riders may be invited for further monitoring and a U19 training camp
- Female riders will receive individual follow-up regarding development opportunities within the team’s talent pathway
Participation does not guarantee selection or a contract, but it can be an important first step within the Team Visma | Lease a Bike development structure.
How to apply
Applications can be submitted via the online application form below. After a thorough review of all entries by Team Visma | Lease a Bike scouting and performance staff, selected riders will be invited to the testing event. Exact dates and locations will be communicated directly to those selected. Every applicant will hear whether he or she was selected in the week of March 2.
Apply now and take the next step in your development as a climber. Applications close on February 20.
Future Bees Talent Days
Who will be selected to attend the Future Bees Talent Days?
All applications will be reviewed by the Team Visma | Lease a Bike scouting and performance staff using a structured and multi-factor assessment process. Selection is not based on one single value or result, but on an overall evaluation of each rider’s current performance, development potential, and context.
When and where do the Future Bees Talent Days take place?
The Future Bees Talent Days will take place this spring in the Belgian Ardennes. Selected riders will be informed about the exact timing and location in the week of March 2.
Do parents need to attend the event?
Parents or legal guardians are not required to attend the test event. However, they are welcome to be present at the start and finish locations if they wish.
All participating riders are minors, and written parental consent is mandatory as part of the application process. Parents will receive all key information in advance, including the program, locations, timings, and emergency contact details.
Who is responsible for the riders during the event?
During the official test program, riders are under the supervision and responsibility of Team Visma | Lease a Bike staff.
This includes:
- On-site supervision by experienced coaches and performance staff
- Clear briefings before each test
- Designated contact persons available at all times
- Coordinated procedures in case of incidents or emergencies
Outside of the official test schedule (e.g. travel to/from the location or accommodation), responsibility remains with the rider and their parent or guardian.
Is there insurance coverage?
The organizer provides event-related organizational insurance covering official activities during the test program.
However, riders are required to have their own valid personal insurance, including:
- Accident insurance
- Health insurance
- Liability insurance
These must cover cycling activities abroad, if applicable. Proof of insurance may be requested.
Do you cover travel or accommodation costs?
No. All travel, accommodation, and meal expenses must be covered by the rider and their family. For riders arriving the day before or leaving the day after the test event, the organization can provide accommodation suggestions near the test locations to assist with planning.
What bike and equipment do I need?
Each rider must bring their own equipment, including:
- A road bike in good and safe condition
- A helmet (mandatory)
- Cycling clothing suitable for all weather conditions
- Cycling shoes and pedals
- A basic repair kit (tube, tire levers, pump/CO₂, multitool)
A power meter is recommended but not essential.
A heart rate monitor is optional.
Bikes may be checked for basic safety before the tests.
What kind of tests will be done?
Riders will complete multiple timed uphill efforts on selected climbs in the Belgian Ardennes.
The tests are designed to:
- Assess climbing performance in a standardized way
- Gain insights into different physiological markers of the rider
- Be age-appropriate and safe
- Allow sufficient recovery between efforts
The exact number, duration, and format of the efforts will be explained in detail during the rider briefing.
What happens in case of bad weather?
The event will continue in all normal weather conditions.
In the case of extreme or unsafe conditions, the organization reserves the right to:
- Adjust the test format
- Modify timing
- Temporarily pause activities
The safety of the riders is always the top priority.
Does participation guarantee a contract or team place?
No. Participation in the climbing tests does not guarantee selection for future purposes, nor does it guarantee a contract or team place within the development pyramid.
The test event is part of a long-term talent identification process. Strong performances may lead to further monitoring or follow-up opportunities, but selection decisions are always made carefully and over time.
How is personal data handled?
All personal and performance data are handled in accordance with GDPR regulations.
Data will be:
- Used solely for talent identification and development purposes
- Stored securely
- Accessible only to authorized staff
- Never shared with third parties without consent
Parents or guardians must provide explicit consent during the application process.
In which language will the event be conducted?
The main working language of the event is English.
Staff may also speak Dutch or French, but all official briefings and communication will be conducted in English to ensure clarity for international participants.
What happens if a selected rider cannot attend?
If a selected rider is unable to attend, we ask that the organization be informed as early as possible.
Where feasible, we will look for an individual solution, which may include:
- Reallocation of the spot to another rider
- Possible future testing opportunities
