Visma secure Vingegaard bodyguard Affini until 2029

Affini, 30, has been with the Dutch team since 2021 and has gradually developed into one of its most dependable Grand Tour riders. The Italian rarely attracts the attention reserved for Visma’s biggest stars, but his combination of power, positioning and time trial ability has made him particularly valuable when the team needs to keep its leaders safe.

His value to Visma has been clearest at the Grand Tours. He made his Tour de France debut in 2025 as part of Jonas Vingegaard’s support team, often taking responsibility for keeping the Dane out of trouble on flat and nervous stages.

That role remained central to Visma’s plans in 2026. Ahead of the Tour, head sports director Marc Reef underlined just how important Affini had become to Vingegaard. “He can take a leader in the back pocket, and he makes sure that Jonas is all the time where he needs to be,” Reef said. “He takes care of him.”

The Italian again lined up alongside Vingegaard and immediately played his part as Visma won the opening team time trial in Barcelona, putting the Dane into the yellow jersey. Vingegaard later lost the race lead to Tadej Pogačar before crashing out on stage 15.

Affini had already built an impressive Grand Tour record before his two Tours, having been part of Giro d’Italia winning teams with Primož Roglič in 2023 and Simon Yates in 2025.

Affini has also made his mark when given his own opportunities. He became European time trial champion in 2024 and followed that with bronze at the World Championships in Zurich. Two years earlier, he briefly led the Vuelta a España after stage three in Breda, taking over the red jersey from teammate Mike Teunissen.

After five seasons with Visma, Affini saw little reason to look elsewhere.

“I am really happy to extend my contract with the team,” Affini said. “I think these next three years show the mutual trust and confidence we have built after already working together for six years. I have found my place here, and I am looking forward to continuing to work and improve in this environment.”

Visma's Head of Racing Marc Reef described Affini as an important pillar within the squad, highlighting not only his physical qualities but also his experience and sense of responsibility.

“Whether he is working for a leader in a Grand Tour, supporting the team in the classics or focusing on his own ambitions, Edoardo always brings the same level of professionalism,” Reef said.

With Affini now committed until 2029, Visma have ensured that one of the less celebrated but increasingly important pieces of their Grand Tour structure will remain in place for another three seasons.