Visma | Lease a Bike snaps up rising DS from Unibet Rose Rockets for 2026

Team Visma | Lease a Bike has confirmed that Gaëtan Pons has been appointed as their newest sports director, starting from January 1st, 2026. The Luxembourger joins the Dutch WorldTour outfit after two years with the Unibet Rose Rockets (then Unibet Tietema Rockets) in the ProTour.

At just 32 years old, Pons brings six years of experience directing from the team car despite his young age. For Pons, the move represents a significant step up to cycling's highest level after four years with Leopard Pro Cycling and two seasons guiding the rapidly developing Unibet Rose Rockets project.

"I'm really excited to be joining the team. I can't wait to meet everyone. It's a big new challenge, and I have to get used to fighting to win the Tour de France and not just fighting to get a spot there," Pons said in an official statement. "But I think that suits me really well, as I always want to win. I love the adrenaline that comes with victory, so hopefully I've come to the right team."

"Gaëtan is a young, talented, and ambitious sports director. He already has a lot of experience in the car, and we're happy to have him on board. We look forward to a great future together," said Grischa Niermann, Head of Racing at Visma | Lease a Bike, in the same statement.

The Luxembourger began his career as a rider for Continental teams, including Wallonie-Bruxelles and Leopard Pro Cycling, before transitioning to a management role in his mid-20s.

His experience as a former professional just below WorldTour level has shaped his approach to directing. "My experience as a rider just below WorldTour level taught me how it feels to be on the bike, which helps when talking with the riders," said Pons.

Pons also emphasised the importance of creating a positive team environment, "I want to bring a good atmosphere to the team. I always try to bring people together, as I believe they perform better in a safe environment."

Pons will join up with a number of talented and successful sports directors at Visma | Lease a Bike, including Jesper Mørkøv, who enjoyed two Grand Tour wins with the team on his debut season, the Giro d'Italia with Simon Yates and the Vuelta a España with Jonas Vingegaard. Mørkøv made a similar step-up, having moved from the then ProTour Uno-X Mobility. Pons and Visma will be hoping for a similar impact in 2026.

Mørkøv himself had initially questioned whether he belonged at such a high level, stating, "Of course I wondered if Visma might be a bit too high a level for me. But I rolled up my sleeves and showed that it's not about your résumé. When you succeed in both the Giro and the Vuelta, and when you help a young rider like Matthew Brennan achieve 12 wins in his first pro season, that gives you confidence."