Clara Copponi has agreed a two-year extension that keeps her at Lidl-Trek through the end of 2027. At 25, she has become a key part of the team’s sprint blueprint, switching fluidly between leading out Elisa Balsamo and taking her own chances when the finish suits. The renewal secures continuity in a unit that values cohesion as much as top-end speed.
2025: a timely return to winning
This season has marked a clean step forward. Copponi opened 2025 with a confident win at the Schwalbe Women’s One-Day Classic, complete with her trademark celebration, then added GP Mazda Schelkens in Belgium, winning from a reduced group after an attritional day. They are her first victories since 2022, when she won La Choralis Fourmies and stage 1 of the Tour of Britain Women into Bury St Edmunds. The results reflect sharper positioning, a tidier final kilometre, and a finish that now holds up against the quickest riders.
Photo Credit: GettyCopponi: focused on big-race impact
“I’m really happy to extend my contract for two more years with the Team,” Copponni said. “The last few years were really special, with the Olympics at home, and this year I was totally focused on the road. I was able to make progress throughout the season, win two races, and the season isn’t finished yet. I’m grateful for the support I have from all the Team and my teammates.
“The atmosphere with everyone is so good, I love to give everything to help my teammates and to take the leadership when I have the opportunity. For the next two years, I really want to show that I have my place in the big races like the Tour de France, to help the team, and in Paris-Roubaix and other Classics, where I want to be racing with the best riders.”
Team view: momentum and progression
General manager Luca Guercilena underlined the value of her early-season win for confidence and cohesion. “Getting that first win early in the season is always important to build momentum. Clara has shown good progression over the winter and through this season. She’s been a valuable part of the lead-out for Balsamo, but has also proven that when she gets the chance to sprint for herself, she can deliver. With the team’s continued support, I believe she can keep progressing and achieve even more over the next two years.”
