Jonas Vingegaard keeps trusted lieutenant as Visma extend Campenaerts

Campenaerts joined Visma in 2025 with a clear objective. After spending much of his career chasing his own results, particularly as a time trial specialist, he wanted to reinvent himself as a rider capable of playing a decisive supporting role in the biggest stage races.

It has proved to be a successful transition.

The 34-year-old has quickly established himself as a key figure in Visma’s Grand Tour structure and, in particular, as one of Vingegaard’s trusted lieutenants. 

His ability to ride on the front for long periods, position his leader and remain useful deep into difficult stages has made him an increasingly important part of the Dane’s support unit.

Campenaerts was alongside Vingegaard during his successful 2025 Vuelta a España campaign, when the Dane claimed his first overall victory in the Spanish Grand Tour. He again supported Vingegaard at the 2026 Giro d’Italia, where the Visma leader won the race on his debut and completed his set of victories across all three Grand Tours.

His value was also evident at this summer’s Tour de France. Campenaerts was part of the Visma squad that opened the race by winning the team time trial in Barcelona, putting Vingegaard into the first yellow jersey of the Tour.

Perhaps the clearest indication of Campenaerts’ status within the team, however, came directly from Vingegaard.

Campenaerts revealed at the end of last season that, while discussing their plans over dinner, the Dane made it clear that he expected the Belgian to spend plenty more time at his side.

“We were at the dining table yesterday, and he emphasised really with a big underline how happy he is about my work,” Campenaerts told Domestique.

“He said, ‘I don't know my program for next year, but I know what your program will be because you're going to spend a lot of time with me.’”

Vingegaard’s words underline just how important Campenaerts has become within Visma’s Grand Tour setup. It is a role the Belgian has fully embraced, and one the team is now rewarding with a new long term commitment.

“I joined the team with the ambition of becoming a valuable domestique in the Grand Tours, and that journey has gone extremely well,” Campenaerts said after agreeing his new contract.

“In the meantime, I have already been able to contribute to victories in both the Vuelta and the Giro, which is something I am incredibly proud of. I am very happy that the team continues to put its trust in me, and that they are underlining that confidence with this contract extension.”

The agreement is also the latest in a notable series of contract renewals at Visma.

Edoardo Affini extended his contract until the end of 2029, while Bart Lemmen and Christophe Laporte also committed their futures to Visma through the same season.

All three have become important pieces of Visma’s wider support structure, and the decision to secure Campenaerts provides another indication that the Dutch team is prioritising continuity around its biggest leaders.