Hours after Team DSM announced it had released Belgian Tiesj Benoot from his contract a year early, the Jumbo-Visma team confirmed rumors that the 27-year-old had signed with the team on a two-year deal.

Benoot, winner of the 2018 Strade Bianche, will team up with compatriot Wout Van Aert in the classics and will likely support GC leader Primosz Roglic in the Grand Tour; 2nd overall in Paris-Nice in 2020, Tirreno in 2018 〜Benoot, who finished fourth in the -Adriatico, is a proven leader in short-distance stage races.

Merijn Zeeman, Jumbo-Visma's sporting director, welcomed Benoot's addition. Tiesj will strengthen the classic group around Wout van Aert and will play a major role in the stage races. He is a true team player, has an eye for improvement, and is open to new ideas and innovations. Together we will develop a plan that we can support and believe in."

Benoot and Team DSM said that on the team side, Benoot "is no longer able to fulfill his commitments. Ilan Van Wilder threatened legal action before moving to Quick Step, and Tom Dumoulin, Michael Matthews, and Marc Hirsch have left the team early in recent years.

"With Team Jumbo Visma, I think I can step up. I have respected this team for the last few years. I know some of the team so I know how things work. I'm attracted to the professional way of working," Benoot said in a press release, noting that he has not yet reached the pinnacle of his abilities. [I'm] convinced that with this team I can be the best I can be as a cyclist. I want to be able to play a decisive role in the big races, in the finals."

The rift between Benoot and Team DSM was first reported by Wielerflits.nl in October. Benoot joined Jumbo Visma with trainer Mark Leaf from Team DSM.

"When we knew he was available we did not hesitate. We are delighted that Tigier has chosen us. He is a great rider and has a great personality. He makes us stronger in many ways and his personality is a perfect match for us," Zeman said.