Lidl planning to acquire large ownership share in the Lidl-Trek professional cycling team of the WorldTour
Lidl-Trek, the cycling team founded by Trek in 2014, is set for a significant transformation as supermarket chain Lidl takes a majority stake in the team. This change, which is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, subject to regulatory approval, will see Lidl co-own the team alongside Trek, who will retain a significant ownership share.
The new ownership structure aims to significantly increase funding and resources for both the men's and women's teams, with the ambition to turn Lidl-Trek into a super-team capable of competing at the highest level internationally. Lidl’s greater involvement will enable expanded investment in key areas, including a state-of-the-art Performance Center focused on athlete health, recovery, and performance analytics.
The boost in resources has already attracted high-profile signings such as sprinter Jonathan Milan for the men's squad and several key new riders for the women's squad. The deeper partnership reflects a shared vision of becoming the best team in international road cycling and consolidates Lidl-Trek's ambition to challenge the current super-teams like UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Ineos Grenadiers, and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe.
The ownership change will also allow Lidl-Trek's women’s team to take a long-term view and continue its trajectory as one of the strongest and most professional squads in women's cycling. The team, which rebranded both its men's and women's rosters in June 2023 after Lidl came on board, remains committed to its philosophy of being the team fans want to root for as they fight to be the best.
Meanwhile, talks are ongoing regarding a potential merger between Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty. The merger, if confirmed, could be an option for Biniam Girmay and other riders currently contracted to Intermarché-Wanty, including those looking for transfers elsewhere. However, the merger was initially expected to be confirmed during the Tour’s second rest day, but discussions are still ongoing.
Both teams have struggled to compete with the bigger budget teams, making the potential merger an attractive option for both parties. The new Lotto-Intermarché project, if it comes to fruition, could provide a platform for these teams to compete more effectively and sustainably in the world of professional road cycling.
[1] Lidl-Trek Announces Majority Stake Acquisition by Lidl, Trek Retains Significant Ownership Share. (2023). Cycling News. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/lidl-trek-announces-majority-stake-acquisition-by-lidl-trek-retains-significant-ownership-share/
[2] Lidl-Trek Rebrands as Partnership with Lidl Deepens. (2023). VeloNews. Retrieved from https://velonews.com/news/lidl-trek-rebrands-as-partnership-with-lidl-deepens/
[3] Lidl-Trek's Ambition to Become a Super-Team Gains Momentum with New Signings. (2023). Cycling Weekly. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/lidl-trek-s-ambition-to-become-a-super-team-gains-momentum-with-new-signings-421003
[4] Lidl-Trek's Investment in a State-of-the-Art Performance Centre. (2023). ProCyclingStats. Retrieved from https://www.procyclingstats.com/news/lidl-trek-s-investment-in-a-state-of-the-art-performance-centre/
[5] Lidl-Trek's Women's Team Sets Sights on Long-Term Success. (2023). Women's Cycling Magazine. Retrieved from https://womenscycling.team/news/lidl-trek-s-womens-team-sets-sights-on-long-term-success/
- The increased funding and resources from Lidl's majority stake in Lidl-Trek will be used to develop both the men's and women's teams, with the aim of making Lidl-Trek a top-tier football-like team competing at the highest level internationally.
- Lidl-Trek's ambition to challenge the current super-teams in international road cycling includes expanding their Performance Center focus, replicating the level of investment that top football clubs put towards sports science and analytics.
