The American all-rounder signs with Trek-Segafredo through 2023
Leah Thomas, the winner of the Women’s Tour of Scotland and Tour de Feminin, has agreed to join Trek-Segafredo on a two-year contract beginning in 2022. Thomas, 32, currently rides for the Movistar Team and has ridden for Bigla Pro Cycling Team and UnitedHealthcare.
She is particularly strong in time trials and has claimed victories at the Chrono des Nations and Pan-American Championships. In road races, Thomas has demonstrated that she is a dependable domestique but also loves to race aggressively when given a chance, something that aligns well with the Trek-Segafredo ethos.
Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images
Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, Head Sport Director: “We spoke with Leah in the past, but last year we had already finished our planning for the roster, so there wasn’t any room for her. Leah has proven over the last couple of years that she is a solid teammate who takes her chances in small breaks and by herself is a strong time-triallist. For us, knowing that Ruth (Winder) was planning to retire, we tried to find a similar rider who could step into her shoes. With Leah, we know that she is a reliable worker for her leaders and is good at taking the opportunities which come her way. I think she will be a great addition to the team.”
Lauretta Hanson and Leah Thomas during the 2021 Ceratizit Festival Elsy Jacobs. (Photo by Bas Czerwinski/Getty Images)
Leah Thomas: “I’m really excited to race with Trek-Segafredo in the next two years because I feel like they approach every race with a plan, and I think they race cohesively as a team, all-in, with the goal of getting a top result. Their attacking style of bike racing suits me as a rider and plays to my strengths. I’m also really excited to have good equipment.
“My goals for the next two years are to continue to learn and hone my strengths. Right now, I think I’m beneficial to a team in a variety of races and race situations, and I want to continue to be that all-around style of athlete.
“However, at the same time, I want to home-in to really find where my strengths lie and what part of bike racing I excel in. I also really want to return to a focus on time trials and stage racing, and I think Trek-Segafredo will provide me with those opportunities. I’m excited to race with a team that really has shown to work together to get that top result.”
