Former world cycling champion Mads Pedersen has made a significant commitment to his career by pledging to remain with Lidl-Trek for the entirety of his professional journey. The Danish cyclist, who joined the team in 2017, has enjoyed a flourishing career characterized by remarkable achievements, including multiple Grand Tour stage victories and successes in various classics. Pedersen’s dedication to Lidl-Trek reflects his positive experiences and strong bonds with the organization.
Since signing with the team six years ago, Pedersen has successfully accumulated a total of 52 professional wins. This impressive tally includes notable triumphs such as two stages of the celebrated Tour de France and three stages of the Giro d’Italia. In a demonstration of his racing prowess, he garnered the lead in the Giro d’Italia in 2025, following an impressive performance in the first four stages of the race. His resilience and competitive spirit were truly on display when he clinched the title at the 2019 UCI Road World Championships in Harrogate, outperforming prominent competitors like Italy’s Matteo Trentin and Switzerland’s Stefan Kung.
In discussing his decision to remain with Lidl-Trek, Pedersen expressed that it was a surprisingly simple choice. “Taking the decision to stay with Lidl-Trek for the remainder of my career was for me quite easy, actually,” he stated. His gratitude toward the team was evident as he remarked on the warm welcome and unwavering support he has received since his first day. Each time his contract needed renewal, the decision to stay was straightforward due to the positive relationships he established with everyone involved in the team. “Also, because I really like everyone who’s working within the team. Every time it was easy decisions,” he further explained.
Pedersen appreciates the full commitment and confidence the Lidl-Trek organization has invested in him. The support from team managers and performance staff has significantly influenced his decision to continue riding for the team, fostering an environment where he can strive to be his best. “When you get that belief from a team manager and the performance group and staff and so on, it’s easy to make the decision to remain with this team,” he asserted with evident sincerity.
The Danish biker has cultivated a familial atmosphere within Lidl-Trek, referring to the organization as a “second family.” Whether attending races, training camps, or other team activities, Pedersen feels genuinely at home within the team’s structure. With an eye on the future, he articulated his aspirations, stating, “My hope for the next years of my career is for sure to win this Monument I keep fighting for, and I really believe, with the support from this team, it will be possible within the upcoming years before my career ends.”
In addition to his ambitions, Pedersen is also determined to take on a mentorship role, promising to act as a “good leader” and leverage his extensive experience to guide the newer riders entering the fold. This sentiment is echoed by Lidl-Trek general manager Luca Guercilena, who has observed Pedersen’s evolution into a prominent cyclist. Guercilena reflected, “Seeing Mads grow into the rider he is today has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. From day one, it was clear that he was special. He’s not just a phenomenal talent on the bike; he’s also a leader who inspires those around him.”
Guercilena further emphasized the profound camaraderie evident in Pedersen’s racing style. “You can see it when he races; he gives everything for the team, and his teammates give everything back,” he remarked. The mutual respect and dedication between Pedersen and his colleagues underpin the success they have collectively achieved. As Pedersen continues to excel and grow, both he and Guercilena share confidence in his ability to push both himself and his teammates until he chooses to retire from competitive cycling.
Finally, fans and cycling enthusiasts can keep up with the latest developments in the racing season, including events like the Giro d’Italia, by streaming live coverage on platforms such as TNT Sports and discovery+. The thrilling world of cycling, characterized by its competitive spirit and unpredictable outcomes, will undoubtedly showcase Pedersen’s journey as he remains committed to his career with Lidl-Trek.
