Lidl-Trek Future Racing Women provides a new pathway to the top of the sport
Lidl-Trek is proud to announce the launch of its women’s development team for the 2027 season, marking an exciting new chapter in the team’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent in women’s cycling.
The new squad will bring together ten promising riders from eight nations, creating a dedicated pathway towards the highest level of the sport and further strengthening Lidl-Trek’s long-term investment in women’s cycling.
As the demands of competing at Women’s WorldTour level continue to increase, the introduction of a development team will provide athletes with the time, resources and opportunities to progress in a supportive environment, allowing them to build their experience and confidence before taking the next step in their careers.
For Frank Schleck, Women’s Team Manager, the project represents an important investment in both the future of Lidl-Trek and the wider development of women’s cycling.
Our aim is to give young riders the time, support and opportunities they need to develop. The step up to the WorldTour is becoming more demanding, so we want to create a clear pathway where riders can learn, make mistakes and grow without the immediate pressure to deliver results.
Now is the right time because women's cycling is growing, and our investment needs to extend beyond the WorldTour team. We also have a responsibility to help develop the next generation.
The inaugural roster reflects Lidl-Trek’s ambition to bring together emerging talent from across the cycling world, with a focus on potential, character and a shared enthusiasm for learning.
Italy will be represented by Chantal Pegolo and Matilde Rossignoli, alongside Austrian Tabea Huys and Liv Wenzel, from Luxembourg. Ane Zubeldia joins from Spain, Kate Richardson from the United Kingdom, Olympia Norris-Mortensen from Denmark and Messane Bräutigam from Germany. Completing the ten-rider roster are Americans Katherine Sarkisov and Ella Sabo.
“When selecting the riders, we looked beyond the results. Potential, attitude, a willingness to learn and what each rider could bring to the group were all important. We also want to support riders across different disciplines, because there is more than one route to becoming a successful road rider,” explained Schleck.
While racing and results will naturally form part of the team’s ambitions, the project’s success will ultimately be measured by the long-term progression of its riders.
“The goal is to prepare them for the demands of professional cycling, both on and off the bike. Winning is part of that learning process, but success will also mean seeing riders gain confidence, take responsibility and eventually earn their place in the WorldTour.”
The foundations of the new project have already begun to take shape, with the development riders recently joining their WorldTour counterparts in Bad Wimpfen for an initial team gathering.
“Our first meeting in Bad Wimpfen was a really encouraging start. Bringing the development riders together with the WorldTour team helped build connections straight away. There was a lot of energy and curiosity, and I want every rider to feel that she belongs here and has a future with us.”
With its first roster confirmed and preparations for 2027 underway, Lidl-Trek looks forward to supporting a new generation of riders as they take their next steps towards the top of professional cycling.
Lidl-Trek Future Racing Women roster: Chantal Pegolo, Tabea Huys, Ane Zubeldia, Matilda Rossignoli, Kate Richardson, Olympia Norris-Mortensen, Liv Wenzel, Messane Bräutigam, Katherine Sarkisov, Ella Sabo
