Lidl plans to purchase a significant share in the Lidl-Trek WorldTour cycling team.
Lidl-Trek Strengthens its Position in Cycling with Majority Stake Acquisition
The cycling world is abuzz with excitement as Lidl-Trek, the popular WorldTour team, is set to undergo a significant transformation. In a move that promises to shake up the cycling landscape, Lidl has announced plans to acquire a majority stake in the team, with Trek retaining a significant ownership share as a co-owner and technical partner.
This restructuring is expected to provide enhanced funding to support the team’s goal of becoming the best in international road cycling. The transaction is expected to be finalized within a few weeks, following the approval of relevant cycling authorities.
With this change, Lidl-Trek will significantly increase its resources, allowing the team to compete with the biggest ‘super teams’ like UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Ineos Grenadiers, and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. This boost is already evident in the team's recent big signings such as sprinter Jonathan Milan and Tao Geoghegan Hart.
To further bolster its resources, Lidl-Trek plans to develop a state-of-the-art Performance Center focused on athlete health, recovery, and performance analysis. This investment will enhance support for both the men’s and women’s squads, positioning the team to challenge the dominance of the top teams in the sport.
The increased funding from Lidl has also allowed the team to pursue super-team status, resulting in key new signings such as Niamh Fisher-Black, Riejanne Markus, and Emma Norsgaard for the women's team.
Trek will retain a significant ownership stake in the team, which it initially founded in 2014. This long-term commitment from both Lidl and Trek will help Lidl-Trek become a magnet for top riders, emerging talents, and highly qualified staff.
Meanwhile, another major development in the cycling world involves Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty, who have reportedly signed a letter of intent to merge for 2026 and beyond. If the merger goes through, Lotto would take control of the prospective WorldTour licence available.
As the cycling season continues, fans can expect exciting times ahead as teams like Lidl-Trek strive to be the team fans want to root for, aiming to be the best in international road cycling.
[1] Lidl-Trek to undergo majority stake acquisition by Lidl
[2] Trek to retain significant stake in Lidl-Trek partnership
[3] Lidl-Trek announces plans for state-of-the-art Performance Center
[4] Lidl-Trek's new deal: Aiming for super-team status
- Lidl-Trek's transformation with Lidl's majority stake acquisition leaves room for the team to compete on par with top European football leagues such as the Premier League, ambitious to be the best in international road cycling.
- The partnership between Lidl and Trek remains strong, with Trek retaining a significant stake in the team, ensuring they can compete with other super teams in European-leagues, such as UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Ineos Grenadiers, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, and others.
