Visma | Lease a Bike is set to strengthen its roster for 2026 with Anton Schiffer, multiple sources tell WielerFlits. The almost 26-year-old German transfers from the German Continental team Bike Aid. He has been racing at the third cycling level for only two years because he was active as a triathlete until 2022.
Three weeks ago, Schiffer claimed his first pro win at the Sibiu Tour. The climber took victory on an uphill finish, outsprinting American talent Matthew Riccitello (Israel-Premier Tech). Just before that, he also earned the bronze medal at the German National Road Championships. There, he played a key role in the finale alongside winner Georg Zimmermann (Intermarché-Wanty), runner-up Felix Engelhardt (Jayco-AlUla), and Lennard Kämna.
It is notable that Visma | Lease a Bike has signed the German rider. The Tour of Turkey (twice, although he abandoned this year) and the Deutschland Tour are the toughest races on his palmarès so far. Both races are part of the UCI ProSeries. Apart from that, he has only gained experience in 1.1 and 1.2 races. Nevertheless, the Dutch team believes in Schiffer's potential, having delivered convincing test results.
photo: Bike Aid
Anton Schiffer| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2027 | |
| 2026 | |
| 2025 | |
| 2025 | |
| 2024 |
In and out
This marks the sixth signing for Richard Plugge’s team. Last week it was announced that Filippo Fiorelli will join the squad, and earlier during this Tour de France WielerFlits already reported that Bruno Armirail will be added to Visma | Lease a Bike’s ranks. In April and May, it also became clear that Timo Kielich, Davide Piganzoli, and Pietro Mattio will join the Dutch WorldTeam from January 1, 2026.
On the other hand, several key riders including Olav Kooij, Tiesj Benoot, and Dylan van Baarle will be leaving. The first two will sign significantly improved contracts to race for Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, while the latter will strengthen Soudal-Quick-Step’s classics squad. Attila Valter (Bahrain Victorious) and Tom Gloag (Q36.5 Pro Cycling) will also depart the team. No decisions have yet been made about longer stays for Dan McLay, Tosh Van der Sande, and Julien Vermote.
