Renewal time at Lidl-Trek: Belgian rider Edward Theuns has signed a two-year contract extension, until 2027. Theuns has been a pillar of the team for nine seasons, playing key roles in classics, lead-outs, and occasionally as a sprinter. Throughout his career, he has secured 10 victories, ranging from stage races to one-day semi-classics. This spring, four years after his last triumph, Theuns returned to the top step of the podium with an exciting win at the Bredene Koksijde Classic, celebrated with his son Scott in a moment that captured the hearts of cycling fans.
Since Jonathan Milan joined the Team in 2024, Theuns has been a cornerstone of the Italian's lead-out train. Their collaboration has been a great success, helping Milan secure over 10 victories in the last two years.
"My best memories in recent years have been the victory celebrations with the Team: those moments are always special," said Edward Theuns. "Winning the Bredene Classic this year was particularly significant. I don't often get opportunities for myself, but that rare chance made the victory even more special. Another highlight was working with Simone and Jonny in lead-outs. It feels like the second part of my career, where all the experience I've built is now being channeled into this role. Racing with them is a joy: they're not just great riders, but great people, and the fun we share on the road makes those moments unforgettable."

BERNARD. A two-year renewal also for Julien Bernard, who confirms himself as one of the team's longest-serving riders and will reach 12 seasons with the team.
Year after year, Bernard has earned his place through hard work, loyalty, and selflessness. A reliable mountain rider, he is a trusted support for the team's general classification leaders when the road gets steep.
"The last few years have been very important to me. Last year's Tour de France passing near my home was full of emotions and is one of the best moments of my career. It's something I'll remember for a long time. I think the work I've done speaks for itself, I've been demonstrating it with the team for 10 years now. This is because I truly feel good here, I'm super happy to be part of this team working to become one of the best in the world. It's really like my family".

VERGAERDE. The third two-year renewal concerns Belgian rider Otto Vergaerde.
Since joining Lidl-Trek in 2022, Vergaerde has been a reliable presence in the team, bringing to the forefront his experience in Belgian classics to support the team's ambitions. Having grown up on the pavé, he knows the Spring Classics inside out and has often proven to be a valuable reference point for Mattias Skjelmose in stage races and one-day hilly races.
"Since I joined the Team, we've created many beautiful things. Juanpe in the pink jersey and Ciccone winning a stage at my first Giro: helping these guys during the Giro was really beautiful and felt like a step forward in my career. In 2024, Mads beat Van der Poel at Gent-Wevelgem and I'm proud of the small part I played in this success. I also enjoyed racing with Skjelmose last year and this year, competing for general classification goals. Fighting for an objective for more than three weeks and actually achieving it was fantastic. This year, his victory at the Amstel Gold Race was a beautiful adventure I was part of. Winning a Classic like the Amstel and seeing Skjelly on the top step alongside Tadej and Remco was an incredible feeling".