Tiesj Benoot, a seasoned cyclist, reflects on his time with Team Visma | Lease a Bike, where he faced criticism for his unconventional tactics in the Tour de France. Despite the team's efforts, they couldn't dethrone Tadej Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates - XRG, who ultimately claimed the coveted Maillot Jaune. Benoot, however, remains steadfast in his belief that their approach was misunderstood. In a heartfelt farewell video, he emphasized, 'We tried every single day, and Pogacar and UAE didn't make any mistakes. If it had worked, it would have been hailed as brilliant.'
Benoot's journey with Team Visma | Lease a Bike was marked by a unique collective mindset. He highlighted the team's ability to create and adhere to a shared plan, a strength he believes is often undervalued in the cycling world. This mindset was evident in the 2022 Tour de France, where individual success took a backseat to broader team objectives. Benoot recalled, 'When Wout won the stage to Calais, we didn't celebrate it the way I was used to. We were aiming for more, and that's what we strived for.'
The team's internal culture, characterized by open communication and a feedback-driven approach, played a pivotal role in their sustained competitiveness. Benoot suggested that many teams and companies could benefit from adopting such practices, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue. Despite the disappointment of not achieving overall success in the Tours, Benoot leaves with fond memories and no regrets.
Looking ahead, Benoot is excited to join the Decathlon CMA CGM Team, where he hopes to continue racing at a high level for years to come. While he acknowledges that results may not always align with ambition, his faith in the team's racing philosophy remains unwavering.
