Visma-Lease a Bike has signed Briton Dan McLay as a key leader for sprinter Olav Kooij after Mike Teunissen’s expected return failed and he signed with Astana Qazaqstan.
McLay, 32, was Arnaud Démare’s leading man at Arkéa-B&B Hotels, but his contract was not renewed as the French team sought to cut costs.
McLay’s arrival at Visma-Lease a Bike means the Dutch WorldTour team still has one spot to fill if it decides to reach the maximum team size of 30 riders. However, in 2024 the team settled for 28 drivers.
“Dan McLay’s experience and skills are a perfect fit for our goals and we are confident he will have a significant impact. He is a very experienced leader and that is exactly what we were looking for,” said senior sporting director Grischa Niermann.
“In particular, he has made some impressive forays for Démare at the Tour and we hope he can do the same for Olav Kooij in our team next season.”
McLay turned professional with Bretagne-Séché Environnement in 2015 and has ridden for the French team every season since, with the exception of a two-year stint with EF in 2018 and 2019.
He has won ten times and secured numerous placings throughout his career, but has emerged as a front-runner in recent years.
His Classics experience could also see McLay play a role in the Visma-Lease a Classics group, which includes Wout van Aert, Christophe Laporte and American Matteo Jorgenson.
“I’m looking forward to joining the team. Team Visma-Lease a Bike has a great track record of developing riders and although they are at the older end of the development curve, I still believe there is room for improvement,” said McClay.
“My goal is to do the best possible job for the team and especially in the run-up to Olav.”
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