Julien Bernard will continue his long association with Lidl-Trek after signing a contract extension that keeps him with the team until 2027. The deal means the French climber, now 33, is set to complete his 11th and 12th seasons as a professional with the American WorldTour squad.
Since turning pro in 2016 with Trek-Segafredo, Bernard has been a constant presence within the team, building a reputation as one of its most loyal and dependable riders. He has played a crucial role in the mountains, often sacrificing his own chances to protect the team’s general classification leaders, while also spending countless kilometres in breakaways.
Bernard’s attacking style has made him a familiar figure on television screens, and in 2020 he was rewarded with the lone victory of his career, taking stage 3 of the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var with a memorable solo ride up Mont Faron. While wins have not been frequent, his selfless contributions have made him an invaluable part of Lidl-Trek’s successes over the past decade.
Reflecting on his new deal, Bernard spoke with the warmth of a rider who feels truly at home in his environment. “The last few years had a lot of highlights for me. Last year, the Tour de France passing close to my home came with lots of emotions and is one of the highlights of my career. It will be something I will remember for a long time.
Photo Credit: Getty“I think all the years speak for me, it’s a bit more than 10 years that I’ve worked with the Team. This is because I feel really good here, I’m super happy to be a part of this Team, to be a part of the development to become one of the best teams in the world. It’s really like my family. It feels a bit stupid to say, but after 10 years, of course, it’s more than a team, it’s something even stronger.
“I keep improving my level, it’s always motivating to push harder and get stronger every year so I can support the leaders as much as I can. We are winning more and more so it’s super motivating to be a part of this.”
Lidl-Trek general manager Luca Guercilena praised Bernard’s longevity and leadership. “Julien has been a part of the family for a decade already. Over the years, Julien has gained a wealth of experience, and it’s been rewarding to see him now sharing that with our younger riders. We are proud to continue this journey with him into his 11th and 12th years on the Team. Whether it’s on the climbs or on the flat, we know that Julien will always give 100%. He continues to push himself to improve every season, and his commitment sets an example for the whole squad.”
