Former triathlete Schiffer to join Visma | Lease a Bike this season
Anton Schiffer’s rise through the cycling ranks has been rapid, and now it takes him straight to the WorldTour. The 25-year-old German will leave Continental squad Bike Aid on October 1 to join Team Visma | Lease a Bike after signing a contract through 2027.
After switching disciplines in 2022, Schiffer landed at German Continental team Bike Aid midway through 2023. Alongside racing, he was still coaching cyclists and triathletes, but his own results soon began to speak louder than any training plan. This season he finished second overall at the Tour of Hellas, claimed bronze at the German road championships, and celebrated his first professional victory at the Sibiu Tour, outsprinting American climber Matthew Riccitello on a summit finish.
“This step may come as a surprise to the outside world, but given how this season has progressed, it doesn’t surprise me as much,” Schiffer said of his move. “I had already been in contact with the team since the Tour of Hellas, and I’m happy it ultimately led to my first WorldTour contract. I’m looking forward to really living like a professional athlete for the first time.
"Being able to fully focus on my sport, combined with the support from internal experts, the use of The Athlete’s FoodCoach, the equipment, and the team’s experience are all things I hope will help me grow as a rider.”
Visma's Head of Racing Grischa Niermann underlined the team’s belief in Schiffer’s potential: “We believe he still has a lot of room to improve in all areas. Despite racing for a small team, he has already managed to take his first pro win. That clearly shows he has real talent. Based on the conversations we have had, we know he is a really good fit for us. We’re looking forward to working with him and are pleased that he will already start racing with us in October.”
Schiffer becomes the team’s seventh new signing for next season, following Pietro Mattio and Tim Rex from the development squad, as well as the arrivals of Bruno Armirail (Decathlon–AG2R La Mondiale), Filippo Fiorelli (VF Group–Bardiani), Timo Kielich (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Davide Piganzoli (Team Polti VisitMalta).
Set against that are the departures of Attila Valter (Bahrain Victorious), Dylan van Baarle (Soudal Quick-Step), Tiesj Benoot (reported to Decathlon–AG2R La Mondiale), Thomas Gloag (destination not yet known), Olav Kooij (reported to Decathlon–AG2R La Mondiale), Daniel McLay (destination not yet known), Tosh Van der Sande (destination not yet known) and Julien Vermote (destination not yet known).
