Newly-retired MotoGP rider Espargaro to join pro cycling team Lidl-Trek

Former MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaro will join cycling outfit Lidl-Trek next year having only retired from motorcycling last month, the team announced on Monday.

Lidl-Trek welcomes @AleixEspargaro to the family 🛒🚴

The three-time MotoGP race winner will serve as a Lidl-Trek ambassador, joining the Team at some of the most prestigious events on the calendar whilst promoting the sport of cycling to a wide audience 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ousBthogXs

— Lidl-Trek (@LidlTrek) December 16, 2024

Spaniard Espargaro clinched three MotoGP race wins during a 15-year career on the motorbike.

The 35-year-old begins his Lidl-Trek contract on January 1 and will join the side for unspecified "prestigious" cycling races.

"I'm thrilled to join the Lidl-Trek family, which is home to some of the world's best cyclists," Espargaro said.

OFFICIAL! So happy for you @AleixEspargaro 🥰 https://t.co/CmpXZ35wbt pic.twitter.com/E2p6qdHvjb

— Lukáš Ronald Lukács (@lucasaganronald) December 16, 2024

"After a back injury forced me to give up running I turned to cycling for recovery and training.

"Over time, it became more than just preparation — it became my passion.

"Living in Andorra, I made friendships with many pro cyclists, which inspired me to train at a higher level," he added.

Espargaro's new teammates include former Giro d'Italia winner Tao Geoghegan Hart, Belgian veteran Tim Declercq and 2019 road race world champion Mads Pedersen.

The first major race of the 2025 cycling season is January 21-26's Tour Down Under in Australia.