The three-time World Champion stays with the Team she calls home
It’s difficult to fully capture the impact of Ellen van Dijk’s illustrious 19-year career. A three-time time trial world champion, a winner of 68 professional races, including the Tour of Flanders and 40 individual time trials, van Dijk has solidified herself as one of the sport’s greatest. However, despite her legendary status, she’s not ready to call it a day just yet.
Since giving birth to her son, Faas, one year ago, van Dijk has worked tirelessly on her comeback, refusing to let even a broken ankle slow down her goal of competing at the Paris Olympics. Her resilience and drive remain as strong as ever, and now, Lidl-Trek is proud to announce that van Dijk has extended her contract for another year, keeping her with the Team through 2025.
This Team really feels like my home, it's where I belong.
Van Dijk, who has been part of Lidl-Trek since its inception in 2019, is enthusiastic about what lies ahead, both for herself and for the Team’s future.
“I am super happy to extend my contract with Lidl-Trek for one more year,” said van Dijk. “I have been part of the Team since the very beginning and, honestly, I cannot imagine riding for another team. So, for me, it was more a question of if I wanted to continue racing after my comeback from having Faas and becoming a mum, because I didn’t know what it would be like. However, I have received the best support from the Team, not only after pregnancy but more recently after my broken ankle, and this Team really feels like my home, it’s where I belong.”
“It’s been nice to see the Team grow from the very beginning and to have been part of that journey over the last five years. The Team is much bigger, we have younger talent coming through the program now which is really positive for the future and so, I am really happy to be part of it. I have put a lot energy into coming back this year and, in the end, I thought it was a shame to only use that for one year. I feel like I want to continue, I still have the motivation, and I know I have more to give Lidl-Trek.”
“Ellen is not only a phenomenal athlete but also an invaluable presence within the Team,” commented Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, Lidl-Trek Sports Director. “Her work ethic, leadership, and wealth of experience have played a huge role in our successes over the years. What makes Ellen special is her ability to balance personal ambition with the dedication to help others. She passes on an incredible amount of knowledge to our younger riders, showing them what it takes to compete at the highest level. Having her on board for another year is a huge boost for the entire team.”