Visma-Lease a Bike announced Jakobsen through 2027. That's a long commitment for a sprinter whose last few seasons have been stop-start. The double iliac artery surgery in his past is the kind of thing that changes how you approach efforts, not just for a few months. I'm not a doctor, but I know enough riders who came back from big setbacks to be cautious about expecting a quick return to 2022 levels.
The interesting part is the team's talk of long-term recovery and integration. That suggests they're not betting on an immediate sprint win. Maybe they see depth for leadouts and a project. Femke Markus joining the women's squad is separate, but at least they're building depth.
What would convince you a sprinter has truly recovered from that kind of surgery, rather than just being back on the start sheet? And does a team like Visma have the patience to rebuild a sprinter's confidence, or will they expect results before the contract ends?