Emma Norsgaard, a Tour de France Femmes stage winner, has joined Lidl-Trek on a three-year contract, set to run until 2027. The Danish rider, known for her versatility and sprinting abilities, is the latest addition to the team’s women’s roster, bringing her notable experience and determination to the American squad.
Lidl-Trek, excited by this acquisition, shared their enthusiasm for Norsgaard’s arrival. General Manager Luca Guercilena remarked, “Emma is a phenomenal talent with a wide range of skills. Our team is well-known for its aggressive racing style, and I believe Emma will align perfectly with this.” Guercilena highlighted Norsgaard’s Tour de France stage win as a defining moment, pointing out how her “never-say-die” attitude epitomised the team’s ethos. Despite her years at the top level, he noted that she is still young, and Lidl-Trek is eager to support her development, seeing her as a future leader in the Classics.
Norsgaard, who has been with the Movistar Team since 2021, has already achieved significant victories across various terrains. Her 15 career wins include a commanding bunch sprint at the Giro d’Italia and an impressive solo breakaway at the 2023 Tour de France Femmes, where she held off the chasing peloton by a single second. Originally seen as a sprinter, Norsgaard has transformed into a well-rounded rider, able to compete in diverse conditions, and now sets her sights on conquering the Classics.
“This team has always been a dream team for me, and I really had the feeling that they have confidence in me and believe so much in me,” Norsgaard said. She expressed pride in joining one of the “absolute best teams in the world” and is already looking ahead to the upcoming season. Norsgaard is eager to grow as a cyclist alongside her new teammates, aiming to be the best version of herself and a strong support to her team.
Reflecting on her evolution as a rider, Norsgaard shared that she’s had to come to terms with moving away from sprinting. “I’m not a sprinter anymore, I have to realise it,” she acknowledged. “I might be fast, but I can’t keep up with the real sprinters, so I took a chance today and reached for the stars – and here we are.”
