Lidl-Trek has announced three young additions to its women’s squad, focusing on the future of the sport. The American team has signed a three-year deal with Izzy Sharp, an 18-year-old British cyclist, and twin sisters Isabella and Ava Holmgren from Canada for two years each.
Izzy Sharp, recently crowned the silver medalist in the Junior Women’s Time Trial at the Glasgow World Championships and two-time European champion on the Track, expressed excitement and readiness to embrace professional cycling with Lidl-Trek. She stated, “I’ve always idolised the Team, […] The TT world is something I want to really explore as a pro and I feel I will be in the best position with the equipment and knowledge that Trek provides. With Lidl-Trek’s new structure, adding development opportunities for young riders on the Team, I feel my step up to the pro world will be more gradual.”
The Holmgren twins have a strong record in cyclocross and XC, frequently switching podium positions throughout the cyclocross season. Isabella mentioned her excitement and readiness to join the WorldTour team and stated her ambitions are “simply to learn and gain experience.” Ava, echoing her sister’s sentiments, emphasised the opportunities and challenges she’s excited to face and said, “I’m very excited to start a new chapter in my cycling career alongside my sister. […] This new environment will be the best place for me to evolve into a better cyclist.”
Josu Larrazabal, Lidl-Trek’s Head of Performance, acknowledged the growth in women’s cycling and the team’s approach to developing younger riders. He stated, “Women’s cycling is growing exponentially, but it doesn’t yet have such a deep calendar or clearly established levels […] For us, at the current time, we believe it makes more sense to fit a development structure within our WorldTour programme, which will allow the younger riders the chance to ride smaller races whilst surrounded by experienced professionals to help guide them.”
Larrazabal further elaborated on the scouting process and the team’s alignment with the new recruits, mentioning assistance from Ellen van Dijk and the engagement of the Holmgren twins through the MTB and CX scene.
The signings help to propel Lidl-Trek’s commitment to nurturing young talent and expanding the sport. By integrating them within the WorldTour structure, the team aims to provide the ideal environment for growth and development. These new additions signal a promising future not only for the riders but for the women’s cycling landscape as a whole, showing Lidl-Trek’s proactive role in shaping the next generation of champions.
