Visma-Lease a Bike has signed under-23 road race world champion Niklas Behrens, who impressed in Zurich, to strengthen the team for 2025 and beyond.

The young German rider has been an U23 rider for Future Racing, a Lidl-Trek development team, and has signed a three-year contract with the Dutch team to step up to the World Tour level.

“I'm really happy to join Team Visma Lease-a-Bike. It's a team I've always admired for their professionalism.” I am really looking forward to being part of such a great team.”

Behrens decided to sprint two-up with Martin Svrcek (Sourdal-Quickstep) 11km from the finish in the 173km race, dropping all but one Czech rider, while Jan Kristen (UAE Team (UAE Team Emirates) also passed him to take the U23 title.

With his powerful physique, Wisma hopes the 20-year-old will develop into a classics rider who also has time trial potential and a strong sprint.

Behrens, despite his 195cm frame, climbed alongside punchy U23 riders, and after a breathless four-hour race, he was able to compete with established WTs Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates) and Joseph Blackmore (Israel Premier Tech) were able to compete.

“With the help of the team, I hope to find my real specialties in the coming years.

“I believe I can do well in the classics, but I also want to further develop my time trial skills. Plus, I am not slow in sprints.

He is one of five Dutch under-23 prospects for the future, along with Mathieu Brennan, Menno Heising, Tiimen Goulart, and Jorgen Nordhagen, four riders from Wisma's own development team.

Behrens' signing was highly touted, as he proved himself to be one of the best young riders in the world with his victory in Zurich, following impressive performances at this year's Giro NextGen and European Championships. But he was also the only rider among the top 12 in the U23 race not signed to a WorldTour contract, making this a big win for Visma Lease-a-Bike.

“Niklas has a lot of potential. He has caught our attention the past two years in several races, including the recent Tour de l'Avenir,” said Visma's DS and compatriot Grischa Niermann.

“He hasn't been racing long and has room for progress. I am confident that we can take him to the next step in his still young career.”