Lidl and Trek are set to reshape the future of the Lidl-Trek WorldTour project, with Lidl acquiring a majority stake and becoming co-owner alongside Trek in both the men’s and women’s teams. The move marks a major step forward in the structure and ambition of the organisation, with an eye firmly on becoming the most successful team in professional road cycling.
Subject to regulatory approval, the ownership change is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. It represents not just a deepening of Lidl’s involvement, but a clear long-term commitment to the women’s and men’s squads alike – with investment and infrastructure set to rise accordingly.
Photo Credit: GettyBuilding the best in women’s cycling
While both teams stand to benefit from the new partnership, the women’s squad in particular is poised for a leap forward. Already one of the strongest and most consistent forces in the peloton, Lidl-Trek’s women’s team has long set the standard for professionalism, team culture and results. With a proven record of Grand Tour stage wins, monument victories and year-round consistency, the added investment will allow the team to maintain its competitive edge while strengthening its development pipeline.
General Manager Luca Guercilena was clear about the shared vision:
“Trek started this ambitious project in 2014, laying the foundation for the team we have today, and we are extremely proud of everything that we have achieved since then. Now, with Lidl planning to join Trek in co-ownership and discussions progressing constructively, the future looks even brighter.”
From day one, Lidl-Trek’s women’s programme has stood out for its combination of high performance and a rider-focused approach. That emphasis on culture – of fun, self-sacrifice, and mutual respect – has resonated far beyond the podiums, helping the team become one of the most admired in the sport.
Photo Credit: GettyInvestment to match ambition
Lidl’s move from title sponsor to co-owner will bring a step change in resourcing. Plans include a state-of-the-art Performance Center, tailored to athlete health, recovery, and data-led decision making. Riders will also benefit from advanced support systems, including technology and AI infrastructure from Lidl’s parent company, the Schwarz Group, through its innovation hub, Digits.
“Historically, we have been on the lower end of team budgets,” said Trek Vice President Roger Gierhart. “With Lidl we have found a partner with whom we have a shared vision for the future. With their backing, we can aim for the very top of the sport and write even more success in our history.”
That shared vision also reflects Lidl’s wider commitment to health, movement, and nutrition – ideals that align closely with women’s cycling’s growing status as a platform for positive social change.
Culture, consistency and fan-first focus
The team has underlined that its identity will not be lost in the transition. Lidl-Trek’s reputation has been built on strong values and approachability, and that fan-first model will remain intact as it targets even greater success.
Thomas Rohregger, Vice President Brand Partnerships and Head of Cycling at Lidl, added:
“For us, Lidl-Trek represents a powerful platform to reach the pinnacle of international men’s and women’s road cycling, and crucially, to play a key role in promoting healthy nutrition and active lifestyles to fans worldwide. We cherish the legacy that Trek created, and we will continue to strengthen the team in performance and culture with the aim of becoming the best team in the world.”
The co-ownership deal gives Lidl-Trek a rare level of stability, with long-term investment now secured across both squads. In a sport still defined by short-term sponsorship cycles, the significance of that stability cannot be overstated – particularly in the women’s game, where it remains far too rare.
As Guercilena put it, “Our philosophy will remain the same: to be the team fans want to root for as we fight to be the best.” With Lidl now at the helm alongside Trek, Lidl-Trek’s women’s programme looks more ready than ever to lead that charge.
