The former MotoGP rider will be “in some of the events” on the professional calendar
BARCELONA, 16 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The former Spanish MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaró, who retired at the end of the last World Cup and who will continue as a Honda test rider, will also move to professional cycling in 2025 after signing as an “ambassador” for the American Lidl-Trek team, with whom will be at some events.
“Lidl-Trek is pleased to announce that MotoGP star Aleix Espargaró will join the family from January 1, 2025. After two decades competing at the top of MotoGP, Espargaró has decided to dedicate his time to his other great passion: cycling,” the team explained in a statement.
Espargaró, for now, will be an “ambassador” for Lidl-Trek and will join the professional team “in some of the most prestigious events on the calendar”, in addition to promoting the sport of cycling to a wide public.
“I am delighted to join the Lidl-Trek family, which is home to some of the best cyclists in the world. I am excited to learn from some of the best cyclists and staff in the sport, push my limits, and share this special journey with the fans,” said the man from Granollers in statements provided by the team.
“After a back injury forced me to stop running, I switched to cycling to recover and train. Over time, it became more than just preparation: it became my passion. Living in Andorra, I made friends with many professional cyclists, which inspired me to train at a higher level,” commented the Catalan.
For the moment, Aleix Espargaró’s move to professional cycling will not occur in road races on the UCI Worldtour calendar, but he could participate in MTB or ‘gravel’ races – a discipline in which he has already competed – with the colors of the American team, where he will also work to train young cyclists and give them experience as a high-level athlete.
“Espargaró has been practicing cycling at a high level for many years, training alongside professional riders in Andorra. He is excited about the idea of boosting his physical potential with all the resources of the Lidl-Trek performance team,” highlighted the team.
The one from Granollers will be a “valuable resource” for Lidl-Trek, sharing his experience as an elite athlete in a demanding sport with the young runners on the team.
“Cycling has been a passion of mine for years, and I decided to step away from MotoGP earlier than planned to join a program that aligns so well with my passion. I am deeply grateful to Lidl-Trek for welcoming me into their family and supporting me. I will give everything I have,” Espargaró added.
For his part, the general director of Lidl-Trek, Luca Guercilena, assured that working with Aleix Espargaró will be “incredibly rewarding” for the team and its young cyclists. “We know he is a strong and passionate rider, but he also brings different experiences and perspectives to the team. He can help our younger riders understand and handle the pressures that come with high-level competition,” the team added.
Lidl-Trek is always looking to bring positive people into its family, develop riders and show the great things that cycling can bring to the world. Aleix Espargaró is an incredible representative to promote that mission. “We can’t wait to start working with this racing legend,” the statement concludes.