Collaborative venture: Lidl and Trek solidify alliance, serving as joint owners of the cycling team / Revamped team organization targets top spot in global road cycling competitions
Lidl, Europe's largest food retailer, is set to take a significant step in its cycling venture as it moves towards acquiring a majority stake in the UCI WorldTour team, Lidl-Trek. The transaction, pending regulatory approval, marks a major milestone in deepening Lidl’s long-term commitment to both the men’s and women’s teams.
Trek, an American bicycle manufacturer, founded Lidl-Trek and will retain a substantial minority stake as technical partner and co-owner. This partnership, characterized by a passionate commitment to high performance and an open culture, aims to elevate the team into a cycling "super team," competing with top WorldTour teams like UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Ineos Grenadiers.
Since Lidl joined Lidl-Trek in mid-2023, both the men’s and women’s teams have continuously developed. The men’s squad is currently sitting 2nd in the UCI rankings and has won notable races such as Gent-Wevelgem and stages at the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. The women’s team has also delivered stage wins in the Vuelta España Femenina and Giro d’Italia Women.
With Lidl’s increased investment, the team plans to enhance its resources, including establishing a state-of-the-art Performance Center. The future plans emphasize maintaining and building upon the teams’ competitive edge, with a specific focus on the women’s program’s growth. The women’s team is recognized for professionalism, culture, and consistent success, and will benefit from upgraded infrastructure and increased investment to nurture emerging talents and maintain high performance.
Thomas Rohregger, Managing Director of Brand Partnerships and Head of Cycling at Lidl, expresses gratitude for Trek's trust and looks forward to promoting healthy nutrition and an active lifestyle. Roger Gierhart, Vice President of Trek Bicycle, in turn, expresses a long-term commitment to the sport and the team.
Lidl-Trek will operate in a stable and long-term environment, benefiting from investments in artificial intelligence and digital sovereignty through Schwarz Digits, another company in the Schwarz Group. With Lidl transitioning to co-owner, the team looks forward to what's to come with a well-stocked development team and the support of outstanding companies like Lidl and Trek.
Luca Guercilena, General Manager of Lidl-Trek, remains committed to being a team fans want to cheer on while striving to be the best. Lidl-Trek will continue to embody its values of great team spirit, strong performance ambition, and enjoyment of sporting competition. The team aims to raise the bar even higher after two years of collaboration.
Lidl is a recognized supporter of sports and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle is a key part of Lidl’s social responsibility. The acquisition of a majority stake in Lidl-Trek underscores Lidl’s commitment to this mission, as the team continues to make strides in the world of international road cycling.
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- The strategic collaboration between Lidl, an influential player in finance and business, and Trek, a renowned sports equipment manufacturer, will strengthen the business aspect and performance of Lidl-Trek, the UCI WorldTour team.
- With Lidl deepening its involvement in sports through the acquisition of a majority stake in Lidl-Trek, the team aims to leverage this investment to establish a cutting-edge Performance Center and cultivate a competitive edge, particularly in the women's program.
