Lidl-Trek has confirmed that Irish rider Marine Lenehan will join the team on a two-year contract through 2027, following a successful spell as a stagiaire during the second half of the 2025 season.
The 27-year-old only took up cycling three years ago, but her rise through the ranks has been rapid. After earning a bronze medal at the 2025 Irish National Championships, she joined Lidl-Trek as a trainee in August and immediately impressed with her determination, adaptability, and professionalism.
Lenehan gained valuable experience competing at the Tour de Pologne, Grand Prix Stuttgart, and Grand Prix de Wallonie, where she tested herself against WorldTour opposition and showed she could hold her own among the elite.
“My time as a stagiaire with Lidl-Trek has honestly been an incredible experience,” Lenehan said. “It was a big step up, and I’ve learned so much in such a short space of time. The level of professionalism, the support from the staff, and the team environment have all been amazing. From the very start, everyone was so welcoming and there is a real family vibe within the team.
“I’ve loved testing myself in the races and seeing how I measure up against some of the best riders in the world. It’s been both challenging and rewarding, and it’s definitely confirmed that this is where I want to be.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to join as a full-time rider, and honestly, it still feels a bit surreal! It’s a real pinch-me moment. I only started cycling a few years ago and completely fell in love with the sport. The freedom, the community, and the constant drive to push my limits – it all hooked me. To now be joining a team like Lidl-Trek full-time is something really special.”
Lenehan outlined her ambitions for the next two seasons, saying: “My main goal is to keep developing as a rider, improving all aspects of my performance physically, tactically, and mentally. I want to gain more experience at the top level and contribute to the team wherever I can. Long term, I’d love to establish myself as a reliable teammate and start targeting some results of my own, but for now it’s about learning and growing.”
Lidl-Trek General Manager Luca Guercilena praised Lenehan’s attitude and progression. “Marine’s story is a great example of what’s possible with dedication and talent,” he said. “In just a few years, she’s made huge progress and shown the qualities we value most – a willingness to learn and to work hard for her goals. We believe she has a lot more potential to unlock, and we’re excited to help her continue developing within our structure.”
Lenehan’s late start in cycling makes her journey even more remarkable. Before joining Lidl-Trek, she was already showing promise on the domestic scene, including a seventh-place finish at the 2024 Rás na mBan. Her bronze medal at the 2025 Irish National Road Race Championships confirmed her as one of the country’s fastest-rising riders.
Her results as a stagiaire, including 54th overall at the Tour de Pologne and a solid showing at the Grand Prix de Wallonie, gave a glimpse of her endurance and racing instinct. Now, as she takes the step up to a full professional contract, Lenehan will look to continue her development surrounded by some of the strongest riders in the WorldTour.
Main image credit: Getty
