Riejanne Markus, the Dutch Time Trial Champion, is set to join Lidl-Trek from Visma-Lease a Bike in a move which should help to push Markus onto the next level. The 29-year-old, who has signed a contract that will keep her with the team until 2027, is looking forward to this new chapter after four successful seasons with her previous team.
Markus, known for her strength in both time trials and road races, expressed her excitement about joining Lidl-Trek, noting the team’s pioneering role in women’s cycling. “For years, I’ve admired their pioneering role within women’s cycling, providing the same level of support as their men’s team; something that has inspired me deeply,” Markus said. She highlighted the well-organised nature of Lidl-Trek and the positive atmosphere within the team, both of which were significant factors in her decision to make the switch.
A key element in Markus’s decision was the opportunity to ride on Trek’s world-class equipment. She mentioned, “Trek is known for producing world-class bikes, and their aerodynamic, lightweight road bikes and exceptional time trial bikes are a big part of why I decided to join the team.” Markus has set ambitious goals for the coming seasons, with a focus on general classification in stage races and excelling in time trials. She also aims to target major events like the European and World Time Trial Championships, the Tour de France, the Vuelta a España, and hilly classics such as Strade Bianche and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, which she believes align well with her abilities.
Luca Guercilena, the General Manager of Lidl-Trek, welcomed Markus with enthusiasm, recognising her potential to contribute significantly to the team. Guercilena stated that Markus has proven herself in both one-day races and stage races, and he is confident that she will continue to progress with Lidl-Trek. “Our R&D investments in aerodynamics will give her the tools she needs to excel even further, particularly in time trials,” he added.
Markus’s career has seen a steady rise since she turned professional in 2014 with Parkhotel Valkenburg. Her achievements include two national time trial titles, a road race title, and a recent runner-up finish at the Vuelta a España, where she placed second behind her compatriot Demi Vollering. This season, she also claimed victory at the Veenendaal-Veenendaal Classic, further showcasing her versatility and strength.
