After two and a half lacklustre seasons, Fabio Jakobsen has left Picnic PostNL midway through 2026, the Dutch team confirmed on social media this morning after a mutual agreement was reached.
"After two seasons in our colours, we say goodbye to Fabio Jakobsen," read a post on X from the team.
"After open and constructive discussions, the team and Fabio reached a mutual decision, which means we’ll now go our separate ways. Thanks for everything, Fabio, and all the best for what’s next!"
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The news came after Dutch publication Wielerflits first reported this morning that Jakobsen would, surprisingly, be on his way to Visma-Lease a Bike, stating that the 29-year-old could be racing for them as early as this month after terminating his Picnic contract.
Irish journalist Daniel Benson then reported via his Substack that Jakobsen has agreed a one-year deal for the 2027 season at Visma. However, a decision over any racing in yellow and black in 2026 is still to be reached.
Visma have been somewhat lacking in the sprint department despite the rapid rise of Matthew Brennan, after Olav Kooij left for Decathlon CMA CGM last season .The Brit and Wout van Aert are currently their best options, and though successful as versatile riders, they aren't among the top all-out sprinters.
Jakobsen was once the fastest rising prospect in sprinting, winning stages of the Vuelta a España and a national title in the Netherlands before his horror crash into the barriers at the Tour of Poland in 2020. Bouncing back from that near-career-ending incident, Jakobsen won more stages at the Vuelta, a stage of the Tour de France and a European title while on Soudal-QuickStep.
He joined what was DSM-Firmenich PostNL in 2023 on a three-year deal, but has continuously struggled to find his previous best ever since due to crashes, injuries and having to undergo double iliac artery surgery. He was a big-money transfer to Picnic, but that move has largely proved a failure, winning only once at the 2024 Tour of Turkey during his time on the Dutch squad.
Just this year, the majority of Jakobsen's appearances have seen him struggling off the back and rarely even contesting in sprint finishes. He's failed to finish six times in 2026, and was outside the time limit on one occasion. He's also not once been in the top 15 of any stage or race he's competed in.
Jakobsen has spoke several times since his recent struggles that he is still hungry for success, and at only 29, he has time on his side. He's made a huge comeback before from that life-threatening crash six years ago, but he'll have to dig himself out of this lack of form and confidence again if he is to find any success at Visma in the coming 18 months.
