Team DSM has agreed to terminate Tiesj Benoot's contract, and the Belgian rider is expected to sign with Jumbo Wisma.

Benoot is the latest rider to have his contract terminated by DSM, with Ilan Van Wilder leaving the team in November after a nasty dispute that ended in court.

While Benoot's departure appears to be more amicable, the team said the rider, who joined in early 2020 and extended his initial two-year contract by one season, was no longer "able to deliver on his commitments and this was reflected in his performance both on and off the bike."

Benoot has one more year left on his contract and is expected to sign with Jumbo Visma.

In a statement released by Team DSM, Ryder acknowledged his departure.

"I have had great opportunities and learned a lot at Team DSM. Being a part of this team has been fun, but also demanding," Benoun said. [Many of the staff, specialists, and teammates are really passionate, which is why the riders get so much out of themselves. So the riders get a lot out of it. I wish the team, my colleagues, and my teammates the best of luck."

Benoot, who joined the team from Lotto-Soudal, got off to a nearly perfect start in Paris-Nice in 2020. He took a stage win and second place overall, and also played an important role in the Tour de France. He finished fifth in Paris-Nice earlier this year and was a consistent presence in the spring classics. In the Tour de France, he abandoned on the 11th stage to Malaucène and then closed the season with a one-day race.

In October, however, Wielerflits (opens in new tab) reported that Team DSM and Benoot were in talks to terminate Benoot's contract. According to the Dutch publication, "In recent weeks, irreparable cracks have developed, and several sources have said that the rider and the team are working toward a separation."

Benoot is the latest in a long line of riders to break their contracts with Team DSM and move on to other teams. Marcel Kittel kicked off the trend by moving to Etixx Quickstep in 2016, while Warren Barguil moved to Fortuñeo Oskalo (now Arkea Samsic) in 2018.

Edward Theuns returned after a brief stint at Trek Segafredo, and Tom Dumoulin broke his contract two years early to sign with Jumbo Visma. Michael Matthews left the team with one year left on his contract to rejoin Team Bike Exchange at the end of 2020. Van Wilder moved to Patrick Lefevere's Quick Step at the beginning of the off-season.

"Tiesj is a talented rider with great athletic ability and can perform on a variety of terrain. He has been a great member of Team DSM and Team DSM is very grateful for his great performance," Team DSM said.

Cycling News contacted Jumbo Visma but did not receive a comment.