After topping the team classification in 2024, Lidl-Trek arrive at the Tour de France Femmes 2025 with a versatile squad aimed at taking wins across all terrain. From the windswept roads of Brittany to the brutal Alpine climbs, the team is approaching this edition with characteristic depth and ambition.
The nine-day route is longer, harder and more mountainous than any previous edition – something that plays into the team’s dual focus on sprint success and general classification potential. Sports Director Jeroen Blijlevens summed up the intent: “We want to go for a stage win in this Tour in sprints with Elisa but also breakaways with the others. Like we did in the Giro Women, get in the break and try win from there. We also have Niamh Fisher-Black who we hope can go for a result in the GC.”
A team built for balance
Elisa Balsamo is back for her fourth appearance, with clear eyes on the early flatter stages. The former world champion has shown strong form since returning from injury earlier this year and gives Lidl-Trek a dependable sprint card in what is likely to be a tightly contested battle for fast finishes. With stages in Brittany offering short uphill finishes and potentially chaotic bunch kicks, Balsamo’s presence will be key in the opening days.
In the mountains, the focus shifts to Niamh Fisher-Black, who quietly impressed at last year’s Vuelta and is now eyeing her first GC bid at the Tour. The New Zealander remains realistic but optimistic: “I’m not entirely sure what to expect from this year’s TDFF, the parcours can make for a very unpredictable race. Which in itself excites me… I most look forward to the final three stages. But as I say this is 9 days of very open racing, there will be endless opportunities that present themselves.”
With summit finishes on the Col de la Madeleine and a final showdown over the Col de Joux Plane, Fisher-Black will likely have her chances in the decisive mountain stages. The rest of the team is set up to support that ambition while also seeking freedom for stage wins.
Markus and Spratt bring tactical options
The all-round strength of Lidl-Trek is bolstered by the inclusion of Riejanne Markus, who can go long in breakaways or provide key support in the hills, and Amanda Spratt, whose experience and race nous will be vital in shaping race outcomes. Both are riding their fourth Tour de France Femmes and are familiar with the rhythms of this race.
Shirin van Anrooij also returns for her third participation and is expected to play a major role in the medium mountain stages. Emma Norsgaard and Lucinda Brand, each with four and three participations respectively, complete the line-up and bring a mix of speed, punch and grit.
With no single fixed leader and multiple potential winners across different types of terrain, Lidl-Trek appear set to animate this Tour once again.
Lidl-Trek Tour de France Femmes 2025 line-up
- Amanda Spratt
- Niamh Fisher-Black
- Lucinda Brand
- Emma Norsgaard
- Elisa Balsamo
- Riejanne Markus
- Shirin van Anrooij
