The well-traveled Swiss rider is the fifth new signing for Trek-Segafredo
Trek-Segafredo will have an extra attacker: Simon Pellaud, Swiss-born and Colombian by adoption, will wear our jersey for the next two years (2022-2023).
The evolution of Pellaud, who turns 29 in November, is a story worth telling. His first professional year was in 2015 with IAM Cycling, but with the team folding the following year, he restarted in the Continental level with USA-based Team Illuminate. After two seasons in the United States, he returned to Switzerland and joined Pro Team Androni-Sidermec, where he showed off his skills as a tireless attacker, notably at the Giro d’Italia.
His palmares fully reflect his globetrotter soul, with respectable results across the world. Above all, the Swiss U23 Championship in 2013, a stage at the 2018 Tour of Hainan, and two silver medals at the Swiss Elite Championship, 2019 and 2021.
Simon Pellaud of Team Androni Giocattoli - Sidermec during the 104th Giro d'Italia 2021, Stage 12. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
Simone Pellaud: “I’m super proud to become a member of the Trek-Segafredo family. I’ve touched all the echelons of pro cycling in the last few years, and for me, it’s like a rebirth. I feel like a neo-pro coming back into the World Tour after a couple of years spent building myself up for this big moment.
“Trek-Segafredo has always been a team that I’ve dreamed about. For sure, I know that I have reached the maturity and the level I need to be as a domestique in the World Tour. I am looking forward to giving the 100% of my abilities, dedication and personality to the Team. I feel it’s the perfect situation for me.
“This Team has a reputation for being the one with the best atmosphere and spirit. That’s something I’ve always looked for, and it’s why I went all-in when I started the conversation with Luca [Guercilena]. I would like to thank him for his trust, and I am already excited about what is awaiting me. I’ll look forward to becoming a 100% true Trek-Segafredo member.”
Simon Pellaud of Switzerland leads ahead of Edward Theuns in the breakaway during the 2021 Tour de Suisse, Stage 4. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
Luca Guercilena: “Simon has gained space and visibility with grit and self-sacrifice, the same we expect from him in the coming seasons. He has enough quality and experience to become an immediate added value to the Team. He will be a valuable element alongside the captains, but we certainly don’t want him to lose his aggressive spirit. The common goal is to value his attributes for the good of the Team.”
