From Aprilia motorbike to Trek racing bike: Moto GP star Aleix Espargaró switches engines

Lidl-Trek is delighted that MotoGP star Aleix Espargaró will be part of the team from 1 January 2025. After two decades at the top of MotoGP, Espargaró has decided to devote himself more to his other long-standing passion: cycling. The three-time MotoGP race winner is to join the team as a Lidl Trek ambassador at some of the most prestigious races: "I'm thrilled to be joining the Lidl Trek family, which is home to some of the best cyclists in the world," said Espargaró. "I'm looking forward to learning from some of the best cyclists and staff in the sport, pushing my limits and sharing this special journey with the fans." Exactly which races the Catalan will appear at as an ambassador has not yet been finalised.

From running shoes to racing bike

Espargaró discovered his love of racing bikes while recovering from an injury: "After a back injury forced me to give up running, I turned to cycling to recover and train." The collaboration with Lidl-Trek will now give Espargaró the opportunity to explore his potential as a cyclist and brand ambassador: "Cycling has been a passion of mine for years and I have therefore decided to leave MotoGP earlier than planned to take part in a programme that fits in so well with my passion. I am very grateful to Lidl-Trek for welcoming me into their family and supporting me. I will give it everything I have." The fit Espargaró will continue to devote part of his energies to motorbike racing from next season as a test rider for Honda.

"Working with Aleix will be incredibly rewarding for us and especially for our young riders," said Lidl-Trek Managing Director Luca Guercilena. "We know he is a strong, passionate cyclist, but he also brings a different experience and perspective to the team. He can help our younger athletes understand and deal with the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level. Lidl-Trek is always looking to bring positive people into its family, develop riders and show the great things that cycling can do in the world. Aleix Espargaró is an incredible representative to further this mission. We can't wait to work with this racing legend," said Guercilena, looking forward to the future collaboration.