Lidl - Trek hires Bauernfeind

Lidl - Trek has announced the signing of the top German rider Ricarda Bauernfeind announced. The 25-year-old climbing specialist is moving from Team CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Bauernfeind has made a name for herself in recent years as a courageous attacker and is considered one of the most promising German talents in women's cycling. Her greatest success to date was winning a stage at the 2023 Tour de France Femmes, when she triumphed on the fifth stage after a 40-kilometre solo attack. The German rider has also demonstrated her potential in the overall standings, with top placings at the Vuelta a España Femenina and the Tour de France Femmes. In the 2024 season, however, Bauernfeind was slowed down by knee problems, which is why she was unable to build on her previous performances.

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A fresh start after injury problems

For Bauernfeind, the switch to Lidl - Trek means a fresh start after a difficult season. Luca Guercilena and his team have great confidence in the German's abilities and are convinced that she can regain her old strength. "I learnt how to race at CANYON//SRAM," explains Ricarda Bauernfeind. "From the junior team to the Women's WorldTour, I developed enormously - I learnt the basics, developed as an athlete and celebrated some unforgettable victories with a great team. The move to Lidl - Trek now opens up an exciting new chapter for me with new challenges and opportunities." The German particularly emphasises the professional structures and the long-term vision of the team as decisive factors for her move.

Focus on development and overall ambitions

Bauernfeind is particularly impressed by the development concept at Lidl - Trek: "What really stands out is the team's commitment to the development of the athletes - giving the riders the time and space to grow. That's something I deeply appreciate, especially because I still feel like I have untapped potential, especially with my ambitions in the overall standings." The 25-year-old is convinced that she can take the next step in her career at Lidl - Trek, even though last season was challenging due to injuries and fewer results. "Lidl - Trek believes in my path, even after a difficult season with injuries and fewer results. I am incredibly motivated to learn from the best in the world - both riders and staff - and to give my all for this team. I am confident that together we will reach the next level."

Team manager sees great potential

Team manager Luca Guercilena is also convinced of the potential of his new signing: "Ricarda's talent is obvious, and although the last two seasons have been particularly challenging, we believe that she can return to her best form - and go even further." The team manager particularly praises Bauernfeind's racing instinct, which she demonstrated with her Tour de France stage win. "At just 25, Ricarda still has plenty of time to develop and we will provide her with the right environment, expertise and support to realise her full potential. I am confident that we will see her back on the road to victory in the Lidl Trek jersey," explains Guercilena.

Reinforcement for a strong women's team

With the signing of Ricarda Bauernfeind, Lidl-Trek has further strengthened its already powerful women's team. The team with riders such as Elisa Balsamo, Niamh Fisher-Black and Shirin van Anrooij is one of the most successful teams in women's cycling and has celebrated numerous victories in important races in recent years. Bauernfeind is expected to strengthen the team, particularly in demanding stage races with many metres of climbing, and contribute her skills as a climber. At the same time, the move offers her the opportunity to learn from her experienced team-mates and further develop her own skills. The signing also underlines Lidl-Trek's long-term commitment to women's cycling and the team's ambition to remain one of the leading teams in the Women's WorldTour.

Career path and successes to date

Ricarda Bauernfeind began her professional career with the Canyon SRAM Generation Team, the development team of CANYON//SRAM, before making the leap to the WorldTour. In her first few years as a professional, she quickly established herself and attracted attention with bold attacks. In addition to her stage win at the Tour de France Femmes 2023, she also showed her potential in other challenging races. The 25-year-old was able to play to her strengths in stage races with a mountainous profile in particular, placing high up in the overall rankings. Despite her still young career, Bauernfeind is already regarded as one of the most promising German riders in international cycling and could mature into a serious contender for overall victories in major tours in the coming years. The move to Lidl - Trek now marks an important step in her career and offers her the opportunity to take the next step in her development in one of the best teams in the world.