“I didn’t hesitate for a moment” – Lidl-Trek sign powerful German to boost Milan’s lead-out train
Cycling
Jonathan Milan’s sprint train is set to grow even stronger
in 2026 with the arrival of German powerhouse Max Walscheid. The 32-year-old
will join Lidl-Trek from Team Jayco AlUla, signing a contract that runs through
2028. His combination of experience and speed makes him an ideal fit for the
team’s ambitions in both bunch sprints and the classics.
Walscheid, who balanced racing with medical studies during
the COVID hiatus, expressed his enthusiasm for the move. “I had a great time at
Team Jayco-AlUla in the last two years,” he said in a team press release. “I was lucky to meet and work
with great people and of course to race successfully. Given the chance to ride
for Lidl-Trek, one of the absolute top-tier WorldTeams, I didn’t hesitate for a
moment. Lidl-Trek is ideally set up for classics and sprints — I’m ready to
help Mads Pedersen and lead out Jonathan Milan, while also seeking my own
chances when they arise. And I’m extremely motivated to give my all at Grand
Tours, because we will have so many different ways to succeed.”
He pointed to the team’s methodical preparation as one of
the key attractions. “I have seen the Team’s scientific approach, whether in
sprint train development, the excellent material, or the team behind the team.
This no-compromise attitude fits perfectly to my desire to optimize all aspects
of my performance, and it brings out the best in everyone. I’m ready to
contribute to writing Lidl-Trek’s winning story!”
Lidl-Trek General Manager Luca Guercilena welcomed the
signing, underlining the German’s versatility. “Max is a strong engine and an
experienced rider who can make a real difference in many situations,”
Guercilena said. “He brings both power and race intelligence, whether fitting
into the sprint train, contributing in the cobbled classics, or reading a race
in the hectic finals. Max is highly motivated to help our leaders succeed, and
he can also win himself when the chance arises. We’re very pleased to welcome
him to the Team.”
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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