{"id":2026487,"date":"2026-07-03T11:38:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T08:38:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2026487"},"modified":"2026-07-03T11:38:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T08:38:48","slug":"trust-is-not-handed-out-trust-is-earned-andy-schleck-takes-charge-as-lidl-trek-targets-the-tour-de-france-podium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2026487","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Trust is not handed out, trust is earned&#8217; &#8211; Andy Schleck takes charge as Lidl-Trek targets the Tour de France podium"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j2p5bpNEVapCnM75X7Zpbb-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j2p5bpNEVapCnM75X7Zpbb-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Not been an easy decision&#8217; \u2013 Effective immediately, WorldTour team loses Head of Performance just days before Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE Team Emirates-XRG have constructed Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s assault on a fifth Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Trust is not handed out, trust is earned&#8217; &#8211; Andy Schleck takes charge as Lidl-Trek targets the Tour de France podium<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-03T11:38:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">2010 Tour winner discusses new role as CEO of the German super team<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">2010 Tour de France: Andy Schleck puts on the yellow jersey<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-72277d5d-0c26-4652-aa13-27a9b12baa8b\">The Tour de France is the biggest race of the season for any team, where results are expected, sponsors want success and so the pressure is high.<\/p>\n<p>Lidl-Trek are targeting the GC podium with Juan Ayuso and stages and the green jersey with Mads Pedersen but also undergoing a major management change, as Andy Schleck replaces Luca Guercilena, who will soon take on a senior management role at Giro d&#8217;Italia organiser RCS Sport.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72277d5d-0c26-4652-aa13-27a9b12baa8b-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As Ayuso, Pedersen and other riders talked about their Tour ambitions at the Lidl-Trek team hotel outside Barcelona, <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> saw Schleck and Guercilena cross paths several times but there was no eye contact or conversation. Both appear keen to ensure a professional handover but the atmosphere was far colder than the hotel air conditioning alone could have created.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t think I arrived here by accident. I arrived here because people believe in me,&#8221; Schleck told Cyclingnews,Daniel Benson and Feltet.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Trust is not handed out, trust is earned,&#8221; Schleck added. &#8220;It&#8217;s been a kind of journey. I knew that it was going to be a big challenge. I take it very, very seriously. It was not an easy decision, because I knew that also for me personally, my life is going to change.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Leadership transition&#8217; at Lidl-Trek as former Red Bull performance director joins Niermann&#8217;s arrival and Luca Guercilena departs after 16 years<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A dramatic game of musical chairs one month before the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere left puzzled by timing of major Lidl-Trek management changes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck retired in 2014 due to a knee injury after a career focused on Grand Tour racing. He was retroactively awarded victory in the 2010 Tour de France after Alberto Contador&#8217;s doping case. He also finished second in the 2009 and 2011 Tours when riding for Bjarne Riis CSC team. He has owned a major bike shop, managed the Tour of Luxembourg and worked as an ambassador for Skoda since his retirement.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck joined Lidl-Trek late in 2025, thinking he would be Guercilena&#8217;s right-hand man before perhaps stepping up to the CEO or team manager role in four or five years. Lidl&#8217;s decision to take a majority stake in the team from Trek changed everything, with Schleck quickly promoted and Guercilena exiting the team.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-aJ49wXGjFaCk2798eewgvZ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-aJ49wXGjFaCk2798eewgvZ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Looking back the last 15 years, I was not sitting on my couch playing PlayStation,&#8221; Schleck said, unafraid to respond to difficult questions.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I do believe that with my past as a rider, from a kid from a small country growing up to racing in the WorldTour, winning big races, retiring by accident, and then building up something else &#8211; all these stages give me the qualification to lead a team like this.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think Luca understood that he brought the team to a certain level, and this is maybe the end of the road for him at this position. 15 years is also a long time. Maybe he wants to have a new challenge. I think what he learned here and the connection he made is the perfect education for him in starting his new role.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;These questions are ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso rejects any suggestion of leadership &#8216;dilemma&#8217; at Lidl-Trek with Mattias Skjelmose<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Visma-Lease a Bike head of racing Grischa Niermann set to leave team for Lidl-Trek \u2013 reports<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a very, very intense couple of months for me. A big thank-you to Luca, who really guided me. I was following him. I was next to him, and he taught me a lot of the details and the insights behind the team.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck has been working intensely on his onboarding and has travelled a lot to talk personally to the hundreds of riders and staff that form part of the Lidl-Trek men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s WorldTour and development teams.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course, there&#8217;s a lot of change and change always creates some kind of anxiety. If you&#8217;re in a comfort zone and then something new comes in, it makes people uncomfortable,&#8221; Schleck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There was maybe anxiety at some point, people were nervous, but we keep on working with the people we have. There are no layoffs. We just want to reinforce the team, with new knowledge coming in the existing structure.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lidl-Trek will undergo more change later in 2026 after Grischa Niermann was head hunted from Visma-Lease a Bike as Chief Sporting Officer. Dan Lorang has left Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe to join Lidl-Trek as a Performance Director. Lidl-Trek described the changes as a &#8216;leadership transition.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We want to be the best in class, so we need to get the best people in class, and I think Grischa is a very important element to that,&#8221; Schleck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m only as good as the people I surround myself with. Grischa has proven that he&#8217;s good at what he does. That&#8217;s the same with Dan Lorang and other people.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-top-three-finish-in-paris-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A top-three finish in Paris?<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-24725d9a-7fa0-4ed4-8ee6-0433f0d89d40\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck was keen to highlight how the team is changing direction, focusing on Grand Tours as well as the Classics.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;re going in the direction that we want to be competitive in more than just the Classics. We believe in targeting the podium in the Grand Tours,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We will keep on focusing on the Classics too, We&#8217;ll give support to Mads Pedersen and other riders.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck has clear objectives for the 2026 Tour de France. Ayuso will target the GC podium, with Mads Pedersen targeting the first yellow jersey in Saturday&#8217;s TTT and then going for stages and the green points jersey.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s 21 days, so there&#8217;s 21 chances,&#8221; Schleck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The target is the podium, the target is the TTT, the target is the green jersey. We are not in the position that we go into the Tour de France with one leader, only UAE who can do that in my opinion.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Juan is our leader but we also have Mattias Skjelmose in a co-leadership position as a protected rider.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck seems to know that Pedersen is on form and hungry after missing the Tour in 2025.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Mads has been training hard in the shade and performing in the shade, but he is ready,&#8221; Schleck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We have clear goals but we might have a surprise in the coming days with Mads.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Shleck admitted his stress levels are high as the hours count down to the start of the Tour, &#8220;and it will stay high for the next couple of weeks, I hope.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I didn&#8217;t sleep very well for the last couple of days, because I&#8217;m super nervous for tomorrow&#8217;s TTT &#8211; and that shows that I&#8217;m here with a full heart.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5fa179a0-4807-486c-8bc3-b7cd1d29f6cf\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-aJ49wXGjFaCk2798eewgvZ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-aJ49wXGjFaCk2798eewgvZ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Leadership transition&#8217; at Lidl-Trek as former Red Bull performance director joins Niermann&#8217;s arrival and Luca Guercilena departs after 16 years<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A dramatic game of musical chairs one month before the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere left puzzled by timing of major Lidl-Trek management changes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;These questions are ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso rejects any suggestion of leadership &#8216;dilemma&#8217; at Lidl-Trek with Mattias Skjelmose<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Visma-Lease a Bike head of racing Grischa Niermann set to leave team for Lidl-Trek \u2013 reports<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">French riders go one-two in short track men&#8217;s race at UCI MTB World Cup La Tuile as touch of wheels with teammate takes Charlie Aldridge out of contention<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ben Healy is &#8216;the best breakaway rider in the world&#8217; says EF boss Vaughters, but can he repeat Tour de France success after season of setbacks?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will secure the first yellow jersey of the Tour de France? Stage 1 team time trial start times<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel confirms major weight loss for the Tour de France under his new coach&#8217;s guidance<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who gets which race bib number in the Tour de France, and why?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">French riders go one-two in short track men&#8217;s race at UCI MTB World Cup La Tuile as touch of wheels with teammate takes Charlie Aldridge out of contention<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ben Healy is &#8216;the best breakaway rider in the world&#8217; says EF boss Vaughters, but can he repeat Tour de France success after season of setbacks?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The best recovery can be to stay on the sofa and do nothing&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s deceptively simple recovery strategy for the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ben O&#8217;Connor rumoured to be returning to Decathlon CMA CGM for 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Enjoy an all-access pass to the Tour de France with Cyclingnews<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A bit of a surprise&#8217; \u2013 Egan Bernal sidetracked from Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a build-up with late Tour de France selection<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 maybe getting all the early Tour de France headlines, but it&#8217;s outgoing Tarmac SL8 sibling is carrying up to 16% off<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">French riders go one-two in short track men&#8217;s race at UCI MTB World Cup La Tuile as touch of wheels with teammate takes Charlie Aldridge out of contention<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Ben O&#8217;Connor rumoured to be returning to Decathlon CMA CGM for 2027<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Ben Healy is &#8216;the best breakaway rider in the world&#8217; says EF boss Vaughters, but can he repeat Tour de France success after season of setbacks?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Another cancellation for Maryland Cycling Classic leaves hole on UCI calendar in North America ahead of Road World Championships in Montreal<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Trust is not handed out, trust is earned&#8217; &#8211; Andy Schleck takes charge as Lidl-Trek targets the Tour de France podium<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-03T11:38:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">2010 Tour winner discusses new role as CEO of the German super team<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">2010 Tour de France: Andy Schleck puts on the yellow jersey<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-72277d5d-0c26-4652-aa13-27a9b12baa8b\">The Tour de France is the biggest race of the season for any team, where results are expected, sponsors want success and so the pressure is high.<\/p>\n<p>Lidl-Trek are targeting the GC podium with Juan Ayuso and stages and the green jersey with Mads Pedersen but also undergoing a major management change, as Andy Schleck replaces Luca Guercilena, who will soon take on a senior management role at Giro d&#8217;Italia organiser RCS Sport.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72277d5d-0c26-4652-aa13-27a9b12baa8b-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As Ayuso, Pedersen and other riders talked about their Tour ambitions at the Lidl-Trek team hotel outside Barcelona, <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> saw Schleck and Guercilena cross paths several times but there was no eye contact or conversation. Both appear keen to ensure a professional handover but the atmosphere was far colder than the hotel air conditioning alone could have created.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t think I arrived here by accident. I arrived here because people believe in me,&#8221; Schleck told Cyclingnews,Daniel Benson and Feltet.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Trust is not handed out, trust is earned,&#8221; Schleck added. &#8220;It&#8217;s been a kind of journey. I knew that it was going to be a big challenge. I take it very, very seriously. It was not an easy decision, because I knew that also for me personally, my life is going to change.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Leadership transition&#8217; at Lidl-Trek as former Red Bull performance director joins Niermann&#8217;s arrival and Luca Guercilena departs after 16 years<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A dramatic game of musical chairs one month before the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere left puzzled by timing of major Lidl-Trek management changes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck retired in 2014 due to a knee injury after a career focused on Grand Tour racing. He was retroactively awarded victory in the 2010 Tour de France after Alberto Contador&#8217;s doping case. He also finished second in the 2009 and 2011 Tours when riding for Bjarne Riis CSC team. He has owned a major bike shop, managed the Tour of Luxembourg and worked as an ambassador for Skoda since his retirement.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck joined Lidl-Trek late in 2025, thinking he would be Guercilena&#8217;s right-hand man before perhaps stepping up to the CEO or team manager role in four or five years. Lidl&#8217;s decision to take a majority stake in the team from Trek changed everything, with Schleck quickly promoted and Guercilena exiting the team.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-aJ49wXGjFaCk2798eewgvZ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-aJ49wXGjFaCk2798eewgvZ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Looking back the last 15 years, I was not sitting on my couch playing PlayStation,&#8221; Schleck said, unafraid to respond to difficult questions.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I do believe that with my past as a rider, from a kid from a small country growing up to racing in the WorldTour, winning big races, retiring by accident, and then building up something else &#8211; all these stages give me the qualification to lead a team like this.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think Luca understood that he brought the team to a certain level, and this is maybe the end of the road for him at this position. 15 years is also a long time. Maybe he wants to have a new challenge. I think what he learned here and the connection he made is the perfect education for him in starting his new role.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;These questions are ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso rejects any suggestion of leadership &#8216;dilemma&#8217; at Lidl-Trek with Mattias Skjelmose<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Visma-Lease a Bike head of racing Grischa Niermann set to leave team for Lidl-Trek \u2013 reports<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a very, very intense couple of months for me. A big thank-you to Luca, who really guided me. I was following him. I was next to him, and he taught me a lot of the details and the insights behind the team.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck has been working intensely on his onboarding and has travelled a lot to talk personally to the hundreds of riders and staff that form part of the Lidl-Trek men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s WorldTour and development teams.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course, there&#8217;s a lot of change and change always creates some kind of anxiety. If you&#8217;re in a comfort zone and then something new comes in, it makes people uncomfortable,&#8221; Schleck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There was maybe anxiety at some point, people were nervous, but we keep on working with the people we have. There are no layoffs. We just want to reinforce the team, with new knowledge coming in the existing structure.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lidl-Trek will undergo more change later in 2026 after Grischa Niermann was head hunted from Visma-Lease a Bike as Chief Sporting Officer. Dan Lorang has left Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe to join Lidl-Trek as a Performance Director. Lidl-Trek described the changes as a &#8216;leadership transition.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We want to be the best in class, so we need to get the best people in class, and I think Grischa is a very important element to that,&#8221; Schleck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m only as good as the people I surround myself with. Grischa has proven that he&#8217;s good at what he does. That&#8217;s the same with Dan Lorang and other people.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-top-three-finish-in-paris-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A top-three finish in Paris?<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-24725d9a-7fa0-4ed4-8ee6-0433f0d89d40\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck was keen to highlight how the team is changing direction, focusing on Grand Tours as well as the Classics.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;re going in the direction that we want to be competitive in more than just the Classics. We believe in targeting the podium in the Grand Tours,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We will keep on focusing on the Classics too, We&#8217;ll give support to Mads Pedersen and other riders.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck has clear objectives for the 2026 Tour de France. Ayuso will target the GC podium, with Mads Pedersen targeting the first yellow jersey in Saturday&#8217;s TTT and then going for stages and the green points jersey.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s 21 days, so there&#8217;s 21 chances,&#8221; Schleck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The target is the podium, the target is the TTT, the target is the green jersey. We are not in the position that we go into the Tour de France with one leader, only UAE who can do that in my opinion.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Juan is our leader but we also have Mattias Skjelmose in a co-leadership position as a protected rider.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck seems to know that Pedersen is on form and hungry after missing the Tour in 2025.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Mads has been training hard in the shade and performing in the shade, but he is ready,&#8221; Schleck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We have clear goals but we might have a surprise in the coming days with Mads.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Shleck admitted his stress levels are high as the hours count down to the start of the Tour, &#8220;and it will stay high for the next couple of weeks, I hope.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I didn&#8217;t sleep very well for the last couple of days, because I&#8217;m super nervous for tomorrow&#8217;s TTT &#8211; and that shows that I&#8217;m here with a full heart.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5fa179a0-4807-486c-8bc3-b7cd1d29f6cf\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-aJ49wXGjFaCk2798eewgvZ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-aJ49wXGjFaCk2798eewgvZ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Leadership transition&#8217; at Lidl-Trek as former Red Bull performance director joins Niermann&#8217;s arrival and Luca Guercilena departs after 16 years<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A dramatic game of musical chairs one month before the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere left puzzled by timing of major Lidl-Trek management changes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;These questions are ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso rejects any suggestion of leadership &#8216;dilemma&#8217; at Lidl-Trek with Mattias Skjelmose<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Visma-Lease a Bike head of racing Grischa Niermann set to leave team for Lidl-Trek \u2013 reports<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">French riders go one-two in short track men&#8217;s race at UCI MTB World Cup La Tuile as touch of wheels with teammate takes Charlie Aldridge out of contention<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ben Healy is &#8216;the best breakaway rider in the world&#8217; says EF boss Vaughters, but can he repeat Tour de France success after season of setbacks?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will secure the first yellow jersey of the Tour de France? Stage 1 team time trial start times<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel confirms major weight loss for the Tour de France under his new coach&#8217;s guidance<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who gets which race bib number in the Tour de France, and why?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">French riders go one-two in short track men&#8217;s race at UCI MTB World Cup La Tuile as touch of wheels with teammate takes Charlie Aldridge out of contention<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ben Healy is &#8216;the best breakaway rider in the world&#8217; says EF boss Vaughters, but can he repeat Tour de France success after season of setbacks?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The best recovery can be to stay on the sofa and do nothing&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s deceptively simple recovery strategy for the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ben O&#8217;Connor rumoured to be returning to Decathlon CMA CGM for 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Enjoy an all-access pass to the Tour de France with Cyclingnews<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A bit of a surprise&#8217; \u2013 Egan Bernal sidetracked from Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a build-up with late Tour de France selection<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 maybe getting all the early Tour de France headlines, but it&#8217;s outgoing Tarmac SL8 sibling is carrying up to 16% off<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">French riders go one-two in short track men&#8217;s race at UCI MTB World Cup La Tuile as touch of wheels with teammate takes Charlie Aldridge out of contention<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Ben O&#8217;Connor rumoured to be returning to Decathlon CMA CGM for 2027<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Ben Healy is &#8216;the best breakaway rider in the world&#8217; says EF boss Vaughters, but can he repeat Tour de France success after season of setbacks?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Another cancellation for Maryland Cycling Classic leaves hole on UCI calendar in North America ahead of Road World Championships in Montreal<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Trust is not handed out, trust is earned&#8217; &#8211; Andy Schleck takes charge as Lidl-Trek targets the Tour de France podium<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-03T11:38:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">2010 Tour winner discusses new role as CEO of the German super team<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-72277d5d-0c26-4652-aa13-27a9b12baa8b\">The Tour de France is the biggest race of the season for any team, where results are expected, sponsors want success and so the pressure is high.<\/p>\n<p>Lidl-Trek are targeting the GC podium with Juan Ayuso and stages and the green jersey with Mads Pedersen but also undergoing a major management change, as Andy Schleck replaces Luca Guercilena, who will soon take on a senior management role at Giro d&#8217;Italia organiser RCS Sport.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72277d5d-0c26-4652-aa13-27a9b12baa8b-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As Ayuso, Pedersen and other riders talked about their Tour ambitions at the Lidl-Trek team hotel outside Barcelona, <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> saw Schleck and Guercilena cross paths several times but there was no eye contact or conversation. Both appear keen to ensure a professional handover but the atmosphere was far colder than the hotel air conditioning alone could have created.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t think I arrived here by accident. I arrived here because people believe in me,&#8221; Schleck told Cyclingnews,Daniel Benson and Feltet.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Trust is not handed out, trust is earned,&#8221; Schleck added. &#8220;It&#8217;s been a kind of journey. I knew that it was going to be a big challenge. I take it very, very seriously. It was not an easy decision, because I knew that also for me personally, my life is going to change.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Leadership transition&#8217; at Lidl-Trek as former Red Bull performance director joins Niermann&#8217;s arrival and Luca Guercilena departs after 16 years<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A dramatic game of musical chairs one month before the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere left puzzled by timing of major Lidl-Trek management changes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck retired in 2014 due to a knee injury after a career focused on Grand Tour racing. He was retroactively awarded victory in the 2010 Tour de France after Alberto Contador&#8217;s doping case. He also finished second in the 2009 and 2011 Tours when riding for Bjarne Riis CSC team. He has owned a major bike shop, managed the Tour of Luxembourg and worked as an ambassador for Skoda since his retirement.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck joined Lidl-Trek late in 2025, thinking he would be Guercilena&#8217;s right-hand man before perhaps stepping up to the CEO or team manager role in four or five years. Lidl&#8217;s decision to take a majority stake in the team from Trek changed everything, with Schleck quickly promoted and Guercilena exiting the team.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-aJ49wXGjFaCk2798eewgvZ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-aJ49wXGjFaCk2798eewgvZ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Looking back the last 15 years, I was not sitting on my couch playing PlayStation,&#8221; Schleck said, unafraid to respond to difficult questions.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I do believe that with my past as a rider, from a kid from a small country growing up to racing in the WorldTour, winning big races, retiring by accident, and then building up something else &#8211; all these stages give me the qualification to lead a team like this.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think Luca understood that he brought the team to a certain level, and this is maybe the end of the road for him at this position. 15 years is also a long time. Maybe he wants to have a new challenge. I think what he learned here and the connection he made is the perfect education for him in starting his new role.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;These questions are ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso rejects any suggestion of leadership &#8216;dilemma&#8217; at Lidl-Trek with Mattias Skjelmose<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Visma-Lease a Bike head of racing Grischa Niermann set to leave team for Lidl-Trek \u2013 reports<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a very, very intense couple of months for me. A big thank-you to Luca, who really guided me. I was following him. I was next to him, and he taught me a lot of the details and the insights behind the team.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck has been working intensely on his onboarding and has travelled a lot to talk personally to the hundreds of riders and staff that form part of the Lidl-Trek men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s WorldTour and development teams.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course, there&#8217;s a lot of change and change always creates some kind of anxiety. If you&#8217;re in a comfort zone and then something new comes in, it makes people uncomfortable,&#8221; Schleck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There was maybe anxiety at some point, people were nervous, but we keep on working with the people we have. There are no layoffs. We just want to reinforce the team, with new knowledge coming in the existing structure.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lidl-Trek will undergo more change later in 2026 after Grischa Niermann was head hunted from Visma-Lease a Bike as Chief Sporting Officer. Dan Lorang has left Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe to join Lidl-Trek as a Performance Director. Lidl-Trek described the changes as a &#8216;leadership transition.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We want to be the best in class, so we need to get the best people in class, and I think Grischa is a very important element to that,&#8221; Schleck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m only as good as the people I surround myself with. Grischa has proven that he&#8217;s good at what he does. That&#8217;s the same with Dan Lorang and other people.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-top-three-finish-in-paris-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A top-three finish in Paris?<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-24725d9a-7fa0-4ed4-8ee6-0433f0d89d40\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck was keen to highlight how the team is changing direction, focusing on Grand Tours as well as the Classics.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;re going in the direction that we want to be competitive in more than just the Classics. We believe in targeting the podium in the Grand Tours,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We will keep on focusing on the Classics too, We&#8217;ll give support to Mads Pedersen and other riders.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck has clear objectives for the 2026 Tour de France. Ayuso will target the GC podium, with Mads Pedersen targeting the first yellow jersey in Saturday&#8217;s TTT and then going for stages and the green points jersey.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s 21 days, so there&#8217;s 21 chances,&#8221; Schleck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The target is the podium, the target is the TTT, the target is the green jersey. We are not in the position that we go into the Tour de France with one leader, only UAE who can do that in my opinion.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Juan is our leader but we also have Mattias Skjelmose in a co-leadership position as a protected rider.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Schleck seems to know that Pedersen is on form and hungry after missing the Tour in 2025.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Mads has been training hard in the shade and performing in the shade, but he is ready,&#8221; Schleck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We have clear goals but we might have a surprise in the coming days with Mads.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Shleck admitted his stress levels are high as the hours count down to the start of the Tour, &#8220;and it will stay high for the next couple of weeks, I hope.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I didn&#8217;t sleep very well for the last couple of days, because I&#8217;m super nervous for tomorrow&#8217;s TTT &#8211; and that shows that I&#8217;m here with a full heart.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5fa179a0-4807-486c-8bc3-b7cd1d29f6cf\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/trust-is-not-handed-out-trust-is-earned-andy-schleck-takes-charge-as-lidl-trek-targets-the-tour-de-france-podium\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list 2 &#8216;Not been an easy decision&#8217; \u2013 Effective immediately, WorldTour team loses Head of Performance just days before Tour de France 3 &#8216;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2026487","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2026487","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2026487"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2026487\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2026487"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2026487"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2026487"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}