Confirmation came two weeks ago at the Tour of Taihu Lake, where Giddings was given the chance to sprint as Lotto’s prime option and claimed the first professional win of his career. The victory not only opened his palmarès but also sharpened his ambition for the coming seasons.
Joshua Giddings racing for Lotto-Intermarché
More prominence without abandoning team duties
“I’ve already tasted victory and I hope to add a few more wins to my palmarès over the next years,” Giddings said after confirming his renewal. The Briton believes his recent results have changed his view of the role he can play at Lotto, though he still values his responsibilities as a lead-out rider.
“I still see my role in the lead-out train as an important part of what I bring to the team, but I’ve noticed a shift over the last few months,” he noted. His seventh place at the Baloise Belgium Tour and, especially, second at the Renewi Tour were early signs he could also race for his own results.
“That last result surprised me. It gave me the confidence I needed to understand that I can do more than execute my job well for another teammate,” the Briton acknowledged on
the team’s official site.
Soon after came the big leap with his win at the Tour of Lake Taihu. Giddings was handed sprint duties and delivered his first pro victory. “In a way, it was a relief. It doesn’t suddenly change the type of rider I am or the role I can play in the team, but it gives me a lot of confidence for the future,” he explained.
Tour de France in Giddings' sight
His goals are growing too. Giddings has his sights on the spring Classics and, above all, on riding a Grand Tour with specific preparation. His first experience in a three-week race came unexpectedly last season, when he received a late call-up for the Giro d’Italia.
“I dream of the spring Classics and of riding my first Grand Tour with proper preparation. Last season I was called up at the last minute for the Giro. With no specific build-up, I suddenly found myself on the start line of my first Grand Tour. I’d love to prepare fully for a race like that, as it deserves,” he said.
The Briton also has extra motivation for 2027, when the Tour de France will start in Great Britain. “The Tour will start next year in Great Britain. I’m allowed to dream, right?”
Lotto trusts the next two seasons will further develop his potential. Kurt Van de Wouwer, the team’s performance boss, highlighted how far he has come since his early days in the setup.
“Joshua arrived as a young rider from the track and we’ve seen him progress within our own structure. We know Josh’s qualities on the bike, but he’s also not afraid to devote himself completely to the team,” team manager Kurt Van de Wouwer said.
The aim is for Giddings to remain a key piece of Lotto’s lead-out while also getting more chances to sprint and chase individual victories.