Van Aert’s coach leaves after “reaching my finish line” with Jumbo Visma

The man who has so brilliantly whipped Wout van Aert into shape through his career – and helped him balance his cyclocross and road racing schedules – has confirmed he is leaving Jumbo Visma and following Primož Roglič to Bora-hansgrohe.

Van Aert has already said he did not want to lose Marc Lamberts as his coach, adding the decision had been forced on him. He also described Lamberts as “my first and only coach”.

“It was not my request to change – the circumstances forced me – but I have to deal with it positively and believe in a new start,” the Belgian rider added.

Lamberts said the time had come for him to leave Jumbo Visma, and he does so at the end of a season that may in time be seen as the peak of the Dutch team’s dominance after winning all three Grand Tours with three different riders.

“After eight years at Jumbo-Visma, and after writing history by winning all three Grand Tours this year, I felt as if I had reached my finish line,” Lamberts said. “So, I’m very happy to start over again. I’m eager to begin a new challenge and am looking forward to this opportunity at Bora-hansgrohe.”

Dan Lorang, head of performance at Bora-hansgrohe, said Lamberts “brings decades of experience in high performance sports and coaching into the team” add had most recently worked for one of the most successful teams in recent years.

“His multidisciplinary approach is something that I really like, and I believe that over the upcoming years, he can help lift us to become a leading GC team in the World Tour,” Lorang added. “I am looking forward to working with Marc and to seeing how he will help experienced riders as well as young talents to get the best out of themselves. With his personality, he is the perfect fit to complete our coaching group.”

Van Aert recently dedicated his Coppa Bernocchi win to Lamberts, saying he felt “regret” over parting company with him. “When he told me the news, I was quite emotional,” Van Aert added. “It’s the end of an era. Marc and I will always keep in touch and see each other.”