Mads Pedersen has officially committed to spending the rest of his professional career with Lidl-Trek, cementing his place as one of the most loyal figures in modern cycling. The Dane, who currently wears the maglia rosa at the Giro d’Italia and has won two stages in the opening week, made clear that his relationship with the team goes far beyond contracts and results.
Having joined the squad in 2017 as a 21-year-old, Pedersen has remained under the same banner throughout, from Trek-Segafredo to the present-day Lidl-Trek setup. Now 28, with a World Championship title, stage wins in all three Grand Tours and 52 professional victories to his name, he has chosen to close the door on ever racing for another team.
“Taking the decision to stay with Lidl-Trek for the remainder of my career was for me quite easy, actually,” Pedersen said. “Since I joined in 2017, I always felt super welcome and supported by everyone here. Every time my contract was up for renewal, it was easy to make the decision to stay.”
The sense of continuity and mutual belief was central to his announcement. “I always had full commitment from the team and they always had confidence in what I was doing, and had confidence in me being the best I can be,” Pedersen explained. “When you get that belief from a team manager and the performance group and staff, it’s easy to make the decision to remain with this team.”
Photo Credit: GettyFor Pedersen, this is about more than stability – it’s about belonging. “This team has become like a second family to me, and every time I show up for a race, a training camp, or any team activity, I feel genuinely at home.”
Now in the prime of his career, he’s not thinking about retirement, but he is thinking about legacy. “My hope for the next years of my career is for sure to win this Monument I keep fighting for,” he said, alluding to the elusive one-day title he’s been chasing. “I really believe, with the support from this team, it will be possible within the upcoming years before my career ends. I just want to win as much as possible, but at the same time I want to be a good leader and try to help new riders who are on the way up.”
Lidl-Trek general manager Luca Guercilena reflected on the journey so far, and what it has meant to see Pedersen evolve. “Seeing Mads grow into the rider he is today has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” he said. “From day one, it was clear that he was special. He’s not just a phenomenal talent on the bike; he’s also a leader who inspires those around him.”
Guercilena added that Pedersen has shaped the team’s identity as much as the team has shaped his career. “His loyalty and dedication to this team have helped to shape the culture of Lidl-Trek, and we’re incredibly proud to have him with us for the long haul.”
