New beginning for German cycling“Mastermind”: Grischa Niermann leaves the successful Dutch racing team VismaLease a bike with immediate effect and joins the German team Lidl-Trek in the run-up to the Tour de France (from July 4th).
The 50-year-old ex-professional will be there “General Manager”. The Dutchman Marc Reef is now taking over the role of Niermann “Head of Racing” with Visma-Lease a bike, the team of the two-time Tour de France and newly crowned Giro winner Jonas Vingegaard from Denmark.
“After spending my entire career with the team now known as Team Visma-Lease a bike, I felt that the time was right for a new challenge. Moving to Lidl-Trek is a special opportunity for me personally, as it allows me to help shape one of the most ambitious projects in professional cycling, which also has close ties to my home country.”said Niermann.
Dutch Racing team surprised
“I was of course surprised when Grisha told me his decision to leave us a few weeks ago”said CEO Richard Plugge in a media round: “Even though I regret Grisha’s departure, I have great confidence in Marc Reef.”
Niermann worked as a professional for Visma’s predecessor Rabobank from 1998 to 2012. He then worked for the women’s team and the Dutch youth team. In 2017 he was promoted to the management team of the male professionals and has since celebrated great success.
Close confidant of Vingegaard
He is considered a close confidant of Vingegaard. The tour co-favorite and competitor of the German hopeful Florian Lipowitz is also affected by Niermann’s decision “surprised” the Dutch team said.
Reef has been with the team for more than four years and was most recently head coach at the Giro. He will also lead preparations for the upcoming Tour de France.