Lidl-Trek is proud to create new Junior Racing program to develop local talent and create a pathway to the pro ranks
Our sport is getting younger. Talent is being identified earlier than ever, and nurturing riders throughout that process has never been more important. Investing in under-23 riders has long been a pillar of Lidl-Trek’s philosophy, and in 2024 we strengthened that commitment by launching Lidl-Trek Future Racing. Having witnessed the incredible success of that programme, we are now taking the next step.
In partnership with the German regional team of Baden-Württemberg, Lidl-Trek is proud to announce Lidl-Trek Junior Racing — a team built to guide junior riders through a structured performance pathway, whilst ensuring long-term wellbeing and a continuation in education. With this addition, Lidl-Trek now possesses a complete structure able to take promising riders from junior level, through under-23, and all the way to the WorldTour. The goal is ambitious and built for the long term: over time, to discover and develop the very best talent in the junior ranks, and to give young riders every opportunity to grow and thrive within a programme built around them.
The overarching mission of Lidl-Trek Junior Racing is the long-term, mental and physical healthy development of young athletes — laying the foundation for success as they progress in the sport. In 2026, the team will comprise 13 male riders: 10 from the German Federation and three international athletes. The squad will be backed by many of the same sponsors that support Lidl-Trek’s WorldTour structure.
Lidl-Trek Junior Racing will take to the road in a fresh Santini kit, inspired by the beloved WorldTour design — a visual marker of the ambition behind the programme and the thread that connects every level of the Lidl-Trek family. The team will make its competitive debut at the Tour du Bocage et de l’Ernée 53, a prestigious French junior stage race that regularly attracts some of Europe’s brightest young talent. Further season highlights include: Côte d’Or Classic Juniors (France), RF LVM Saarland Trofeo (Germany) and RF Keizer der Juniores (Belgium).
Josu Larrazabal, Head of Coaching, Scouting and Academy at Lidl-Trek said:
“Creating Lidl-Trek Junior Racing gives us a level of structure in our scouting process that we haven’t had before — one that allows us to detect talent earlier and give young riders a clear, supported pathway toward the development team. Because the team is registered as a Club Team it doesn’t conflict with races where national federations take part, which means we can build the best possible race programme around each rider. It’s also a significant step forward in managing the transition from junior to under-23 level. Just as we’ve seen with the progression of our U23 riders to the WorldTour, knowing athletes from race situations, from training day-to-day, from how they handle their lives outside of cycling — that knowledge is invaluable. This programme improves our ability to find and develop the very best junior talent, and I’m genuinely excited about what that means for the future of this team.”
The 2026 roster is now finalised. Details on how to apply for selection in 2027 will be announced in due course — watch this space.
Lidl-Trek Junior Racing Roster 2026
Michael Hetteger (Austria)
Leon Atkins (United Kingdom)
Julien Breugnot (France)
Luan Elsäßer (Germany)
Louis Joos (Germany)
Timo Burger (Germany)
Josh Tietjen (Germany)
Sean Arnold (Germany)
Noah Kunz (Germany)
Baltasar Waldmüller (Germany)
Moritz Schwarzer (Germany)
Mathis Müller (Germany)
Timo Zabel (Germany)
