Niamh Fisher-Black joins Lidl-Trek with big aspirations

Lidl-Trek is thrilled to announce the signing of Niamh Fisher-Black, the fourth and final addition to the Women’s Team for the upcoming season. The 24-year-old New Zealander has signed a three-year deal that will see her race with the American outfit through 2027.

Fisher-Black turned professional in 2020 and, having adjusted to the European racing scene, quickly established herself as a rising star in the peloton. Her debut professional season saw her quickly win Gravel and Tar Femme, the only UCI road race in New Zealand, before scooping up the national road race championship. Since then, Fisher-Black has consistently demonstrated her potential, refining her skills alongside some of the sport’s top climbers. In 2022, she claimed the inaugural Under-23 road race World Championship in Wollongong, solidifying her status as one to watch.

Over the past four years, Fisher-Black has been instrumental in her team’s successes, consistently delivering as a key support rider. While excelling in this role, she has also achieved significant victories on her own. Among the highlights of her career are World Tour stage wins at the 2023 Tour de Suisse and an impressive triumph at this year’s Giro d’Italia. Additionally, Fisher-Black has already established herself as a formidable general classification contender, having finished in the top ten at the Giro d’Italia on four occasions.

Expressing her excitement about the move, Fisher-Black said, “Lidl-Trek have long been an attractive team to me, I admire their aggressive style of racing and professional approach. It’s been noticeable even from the outside; their commitment to their riders, rider development and keen plans for the future. In my first talks with the team I was quickly attracted by the innovative approach and the belief they had in their goals and how I would fit into that plan. It was also important for me that I could see myself fitting into the team and amongst the riders and staff they already have. My early interactions with the team were indeed really positive and I see a really strong combination of riders, which is really exciting, I am really keen to step into this squad.

“Of course the change will bring challenges in itself, but I am very motivated for what the next few years may bring and my move into Lidl-Trek colours.”

Speaking of her goals for the coming year with Lidl-Trek, she added, ”Firstly, next year I hope to find my feet quickly in the team environment and build good relationships with my teammates. Then the racing side is simple! I intend to play a key role in the team and their goals. While personally, I have felt a steady incline in my development the last few years and of course, like any athlete, I hope to see that improve more. I am eager to explore my potential in GC riding, perhaps starting with shorter stage races and progressing to the Grand Tour lengths. I am realistic that I have some work to do, but I am confident that Lidl-Trek will be able to provide the stable footing and supportive environment that I need to take these steps.

“I am very grateful to Lidl Trek in their belief in me as a rider, and I anticipate a really good few years to come.”

Team Manager Luca Guercilena added, “Niamh is a standout talent with a bright future ahead of her. We’ve been impressed by her development so far, and she is eager to continue on this upward trajectory. At Lidl-Trek, we are committed to providing her with the environment and resources she needs to reach her full potential. We’re looking forward to seeing her in the Lidl-Trek jersey and to witness what she can achieve alongside her new teammates.”