Dutch WorldTour team Visma-Lease a Bike has announced that it will produce its own cycling kit for the 2024 season, launching under the new Yellow B label. This move comes after the team’s partnership with Agu, the previous kit manufacturer, ended on December 31 due to the brand’s financial troubles.
In a statement released on New Year’s Day, the team revealed that while their kit design would remain unchanged for the upcoming season, Agu would no longer be responsible for its production. A subtle mention of the Yellow B label was included in the press release, but it wasn’t until later that Visma-Lease a Bike confirmed the kit production was now handled in-house.
A spokesperson for Visma-Lease a Bike confirmed to Cycling Weekly on Wednesday that the team had taken full control of their kit production. “We have taken the production of our kit into our own hands, which is also visible by the Yellow B logo on the kit,” the spokesperson explained.
The decision to produce their own kit follows a similar path taken by another WorldTour team, Picnic Post NL. The Dutch squad transitioned from using Craft clothing to developing their own branded kit, initially produced by Bioracer before shifting to Nalini.
While Visma-Lease a Bike declined to clarify whether another brand is still involved in their kit production, their move marks a significant shift in cycling team apparel management.
The breakup between Visma-Lease a Bike and Agu follows financial challenges that the latter company faced last year. According to Wielerflits, Agu’s financial difficulties led to a mutual decision to end the partnership. In August 2023, Agu issued a statement explaining its situation, highlighting its efforts to stabilize financially after a WHOA procedure in December. However, Agu was unable to secure the necessary financing, resulting in a moratorium on payments. The company expressed hope of finding a new owner or financier to ensure its continued operation.
Despite the change in kit production, Visma-Lease a Bike has been active in strengthening their roster for 2024. The team signed several high-profile riders, including Simon Yates from Jayco-AlUla and Victor Campenaerts from Lotto. Yates revealed he took a pay cut to join the team, emphasizing the team’s competitive appeal. On the women’s side, Visma-Lease a Bike secured Pauline Ferrand-Prévot from Ineos Grenadiers, with the French rider set to lead their road ambitions alongside the renowned Marianne Vos.
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