Team DSM releases Benoot from contract, says he "could not deliver on his commitments"

Tiesj Benoot has become the latest member of the Team DSM WorldTour outfit to depart before the end of his contract, which still had just over one year left to run.

Young Dutch rider Ilan Van Wilder left the team last month, though his departure went down the legal route, unlike Benoot's more amicable mutual termination of contract arrangement.

Other riders to leave Team DSM, formerly Team Sunweb, before their contracts were due to expire include: Warren Barguil, Tom Dumoulin, Michael Matthews, Marc Hirschi, Edward Theuns and Marcel Kittel.

Team DSM has issued a statement saying it had "agreed to terminate" its contract with Benoot, though both team and rider spoke favourably of each other in the statement. The 27-year-old's departure from the team had been flagged in recent months and he was now expected to join Jumbo Visma.

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"During their 2021 campaign it became clear that Benoot could not deliver on his commitments, which reflected in performances both on and off the bike," Team DSM said in its statement confirming the rider's early departure.

"In favour of positive dynamics with riders and staff within the team, as well as around it, the team have thus cooperated with the termination of Benoot’s agreement."

However, while rider and team are parting company, the team's statement described the Belgian as "a gifted rider with great athletic capability". The team said Benoot is a rider who "can perform on a multitude of terrain" and it was "thankful" for his performances while on the team.

Benoot was also quoted in the same statement, saying he had "good memories" of being a Team DSM rider. He also had "some great opportunities" and said he had "learned a lot".

"It’s fun to be part of this team, but it’s also demanding," he said. "That is not a negative towards the team; the many staff and specialists, as well as team mates are all really passionate, that’s why riders can get a lot out of themselves. I just wasn’t fully able to go for it together. I wish the team, my colleagues and team mates all the best."