Lidl-Trek ready for the challenge ahead at the Giro d'Italia

The Team has announced the eight names that make up the Lidl-Trek roster for the first Grand Tour of the season

With less than one week to go before the introductory stage of the 107th edition of the Giro d’Italia (140 explosive kilometers between Venaria Reale and Torino), Lidl-Trek reveals the team who will tackle the upcoming 21 stages that lead to Rome, on May 26^th.

Andrea Bagioli (Italy, 25), Giro d’Italia rookie.

Simone Consonni (Italy, 29), sixth participation.

Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier (Eritrea, 29), fifth participation.

Daan Hoole (Netherlands, 25), second participation.

Juan Pedro Lopez (Spain, 26), second participation. In 2022, he wore the Maglia Rosa for 10 days and won the white jersey as the Best Young Rider.

Jonathan Milan (Italy, 23), second participation. In his first experience at the Giro in 2023, he won a stage (plus four second places) and the points jersey.

Jasper Stuyven (Belgium, 32), second participation. At his first Giro in 2017, he finished with three stage podiums.

Edward Theuns (Belgium, 32), second participation.

Juanpe Lopez returns to the Giro after a great experience in 2022 (©GettyImages)

Lidl-Trek will be led by team Sports Directors Gregory Rast, Yaroslav Popovych, Michael Schar and Adriano Baffi. We asked the leading director of the group, Rast, to introduce the roles and goals of a team that, without a doubt, heads to the start with lots of motivation.

We will be at the start of the race with a solid and experienced team, capable of pursuing the primary goal we have for this Giro: to win stages - Gregory Rast

The rider under the spotlight, Johnny Milan (©ZacWilliams)

“With a sprinter like Milan, we will be working hard for every possible fast finish. He will be our leader for the sprints and winning the points jersey is something he can try to repeat again this year. We are aware of his potential but, of course, we can’t ignore the strong competition that, we’re sure, will give us a hard time. For this reason, Jonny will be supported by Theuns and Consonni, that is the train which we saw working well together in the first part of the season. The experience of Eddie and Simone will be key for Milan.

“Another key rider for Milan and the Team will be Stuyven. His condition at the end of March, when he was involved in the crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen, was super good. The time to recover that form for the Giro has been minimal, but both the Team and Jasper had a lot of motivation to have him at the start. The first week may be useful for him to regain any lost confidence, then he’ll be able to aim for his own chances as well as help in the lead out for Jonny.”

Jasper Stuyven recoverd just in time for the Giro (©ZacWilliams)

Edward Theuns the first man of the Milan's leadout (©ZacWilliams)

“The man who, more than anyone else, has proven that he is ready for the Giro is Juanpe Lopez. His victory at the Tour of the Alps speaks for itself. Italian climbs suit him well, as he has already proven in 2022, and I am convinced that he can chase stage success on the toughest days. Then, day after day, he can keep a look to the evolution of the fight for the GC. I believe this can be a goal to chase as we go along, also considering the presence of two long time trials that are decisive for any GC talk.

“Bagioli has all the makings of a valuable wild card in the mixed stages. I see several opportunities for him, and the roads of the Giro can be the ideal place to showcase his talent.

“Last but, of course, not least, Ghebreigzabhier and Hoole, who we will entrust the main role of helper. Both riders, in strength and character, can play an important role in managing the most difficult stages. We are aspiring to put on a bold performance as a team in this Giro, we want to create multiple opportunities for success, and both Amanuel and Daan have the skills to contribute in very important ways.”