Team Visma | Lease a Bike has announced a partnership with Mistral AI, the European artificial intelligence company, naming it as both a premium partner and technology partner. Mistral AI branding will appear on the team's jerseys and vehicles, while the two organisations collaborate on performance projects aimed at improving decision-making and data analysis.
The deal arrives as Visma is set to scale back its commitment at the end of 2026, and the team has been actively seeking partners to keep pace with high-budget rivals such as UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Lidl-Trek and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe.
"We are very proud that an innovative company like Mistral AI is becoming a partner of our team," Richard Plugge, CEO of Team Visma | Lease a Bike, said. "At the highest level in cycling, it is necessary to constantly keep improving yourself. Mistral AI applies the same mindset in its own field, and I am convinced that by working together we can push each other to an even higher level."
The practical scope centres on processing the volume of data that modern teams already collect, from rider physiology to weather patterns and race tactics, and turning it into faster calls for staff and directors.
"In today's cycling, data is everywhere, making the right use of AI essential to remain competitive," Patrick Broe, head of strategy at Team Visma | Lease a Bike, said. "Mistral AI is a world leader in helping organisations realise the full potential of AI. Therefore, we expect a lot from this collaboration."
Mistral AI, founded in France and widely regarded as Europe's leading challenger to OpenAI, gains global sports visibility through the deal. "A partnership with Team Visma | Lease a Bike is a logical step," Timothée Lacroix, chief technology officer and co-founder of Mistral AI, said. "We are excited to bring our AI expertise to the cycling world and help the team reach new heights."
It follows more direct coaching collaborations through AI tools, with Lidl-Trek, Decathlon CMA CGM Team and Team TotalEnergies confirming partnerships with Vekta AI earlier this week.
The branding is expected to be visible from the upcoming Belgian classics onwards. Exactly how deep the technical integration runs, and whether it extends to real-time race support, remains to be seen.
