"I have a lot of faith in what he can do for himself and for us" - Lidl-Trek boss insists signing of Moto GP star Aleix Espargaro is for more than just marketing

In one of the more surprising transfer of the window, Lidl-Trek recently announced the arrival of former Moto GP star Aleix Espargaró. Whilst some have dismissed the news as nothing more than a piece of marketing from Lidl-Trek, team boss Luca Guercilena insists that the 35-year-old Spaniard can have a role to play.

"Contacts with him began in Andorra which is now an epicenter for cycling, thanks to Carlos Verona who is a friend of his. He was often a guest at our marketing events, then at a post-Tour dinner he mentioned his dream of trying life as a cycling racer, alongside his role as a man-image for our company because he can give a lot in terms of visibility," explains Guercilena to Bici.Pro. "So we thought of having him try gravel races, even on the top UCI circuit, mountain bike and maybe see him involved in some Granfondo, then we'll see how it goes."

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"We wanted to give him freedom of choice. Among other things, he has already raced in some Granfondo on the road and with very good results. I believe that in gravel he can do really well, also because the stimulus of the world circuit can give him new stimuli," continues the Lidl-Trek boss. "From what I have seen, Aleix has great riding ability and this is normal given his activity, clearly he pays the price of being in a group, it is one thing to ride with a few riders at your side, another to pedal in the middle of hundreds of people. But he wants to try and we agree."

It seems the Spaniard has made a good impression on the rest of the Lidl-Trek team too. "He is an example of professionalism and selflessness. With all that he has earned, he still wants to get involved. This is an important impact for young people," says an impressed Guercilena. "He immediately said that he absolutely does not expect to be the centre of attention and that he feels like a novice student together with people who know much more. He certainly does not expect to get in the saddle and compete in the big races, even if he said that he would like to participate and make himself available to the staff in any role that is useful. I believe that attitude is a very important aspect, I have a lot of faith in what he can do for himself and for us."

"Many knew him, they knew who he is, but they were a bit sceptical about what he could do. When we were in Andorra, as soon as they started to get on the bike they changed their minds: leaner than many riders, technically impeccable, you could tell he wasn't there to show off," he adds. "There is a difference, let's be clear, but he can do really well in the most suitable contexts... He told us his dreams and we want him to be able to realize them, little by little . I repeat, it's a mutual agreement from which we can all benefit."

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