![\"Ben](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ben-tulett-jonas-vingegaard-696768fc5f773.jpg@webp.webp\")
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That single line now frames his entire build-up to 2026.<\/p>\n
A gap that has to be filled<\/p>\n
Yates was expected to play a major role in Visma\u2019s Grand Tour structure. His retirement leaves more than just an empty jersey; it removes experience, leadership and a rider capable of shaping race strategy in three-week races.<\/p>\n
Tulett knows that space exists. \u201cSimon\u2019s race programme now needs someone to fill those shoes,\u201d he said. \u201cSo there are opportunities coming, from what it looks like.\u201d<\/p>\n
That does not mean a straight swap. Tulett is still only in his mid-twenties and remains in a development phase, but his last two seasons have shown why Visma see him as more than just a long-term project.<\/p>\n
He has already delivered overall wins in smaller stage races, podiums in one-day races and solid performances in the Ardennes. He also rode the Vuelta supporting Jonas Vingegaard during a race that was disrupted by protests, neutralisations and stage changes, gaining experience in how leaders handle chaos around them.<\/p>\n
That is not nothing when a team suddenly needs new pillars.<\/p>\n
Tour de France suddenly in view<\/p>\n
Before Yates stepped away, Tulett\u2019s role for 2026 had been communicated as a free role in the Ardennes classics and again at the Vuelta. Now even the Tour de France is no longer off the table.<\/p>\n
When asked if Yates\u2019s planned Tour role could open a door for him, Tulett did not dodge it. \u201cYeah, it\u2019s definitely a possibility,\u201d he said. \u201cWe had a plan thinking Simon was also going to be racing, and now that\u2019s changed. So we have to adapt and see what\u2019s there.\u201d<\/p>\n
He went further when pressed on whether he could imagine himself riding the Tour. \u201cIt\u2019s definitely a possibility. And if it does happen, we\u2019ll be ready to race the biggest race in our sport. That\u2019s really exciting and motivating looking ahead to the coming year.\u201d<\/p>\n
For a rider who is still described as developing, that is a big shift in tone.<\/p>\n
Trust inside Visma<\/p>\n
Tulett recently renewed his contract, and he links that directly to the environment he is in. \u201cThis is a team where I feel very comfortable,\u201d he said. \u201cI believe that in the next years I can get the best out of myself here. That brings a lot of trust, trust from the team and trust in myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Visma have quietly been building what they call their \u201cwhite jersey group\u201d, a system designed to prepare younger riders for leadership in the biggest races. Tulett has already been part of that process and sees it as proof that the team plans years ahead, not just months.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s a really nice project from the team, to develop younger riders into racing and winning the biggest races in the world,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you look at the history of it, it\u2019s worked very well.\u201d<\/p>\n
That matters now, because Yates\u2019s absence forces Visma to lean harder on riders who were being prepared for tomorrow, not necessarily today.<\/p>\n
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Tulett played a key role alongside Jonas Vingegaard at La Vuelta 2025<\/p>\n
What Tulett actually wants<\/p>\n
For all the talk about opportunity, Tulett keeps his personal aim simple. \u201cMy long-term objective is to target the general classification in Grand Tours,\u201d he said. But he also made it clear he does not want to wait quietly for that moment. \u201cWhenever there\u2019s an opportunity to win, I want to be there and take it.\u201d<\/p>\n
That line fits neatly with what Visma now need: riders who can grow, but who are also willing to step forward when the team structure shifts unexpectedly.<\/p>\n