“Lidl-Trek can challenge UAE for supremacy”: Eurosport expert calls it the WorldTour’s ‘most complete squad’
CyclingSaturday, 31 January 2026 at 11:15
Lidl-Trek’s 2026 squad is already being viewed as one of the most complete in the WorldTour, with comparisons to UAE’s depth and balance across the calendar. According to Eurosport pundit Javier Ares, the American team’s roster construction puts them in a position few others currently occupy.
His analysis focuses less on race wins and more on how the team is built across general classification, Classics and sprints.
Lidl-Trek built as a team designed to rival UAE
The squad is being talked about as one of the few capable of matching UAE structurally across the season.
“We are talking about one of the most powerful teams in international cycling, the American outfit Lidl-Trek, a team that is being called to challenge UAE for supremacy in the rankings as well.”
“One thing is a victory and another thing is the squad. And here, especially at the start of the season, what we analyse in detail is the squad.”
Focus on squad depth rather than short-term results
The emphasis of the analysis is on roster composition rather than immediate race outcomes.
“I believe Lidl-Trek have managed to build, for me, the most homogeneous and complete squad in the entire WorldTour. I say that with conviction.”
“There is a team, UAE, which not only has splendid riders but goes out to bite and win every single race, and that is what allows them to achieve such formidable records.”
“But one thing is performance and another thing is the squad. And in that sense, the configuration of Lidl-Trek’s roster, with men for the general classification, men for the Classics and sprinters, is superior to any other team.”
“What level of performance the team can reach, I do not know. That will also depend a little on their attitude in races.”
Six arrivals reshape the balance of the team
The winter transfer activity is central to why this squad is attracting attention.
“There have been six arrivals and six departures. The arrivals are more important than the departures.”
“The great signing of the season has been Juan Ayuso. Not only because of what a rider of 23 years old represents, who has already shown very notable potential, but also because of the enormous economic effort made by the American team.”
“There have been rumours that they paid 10 million euros. That seems outrageous to me, but it is true that the offer was monstrous.”
Ayuso positioned around a Tour de France plan
Ayuso’s arrival is viewed as part of a long term strategy centred on the Tour de France.
“Juan Ayuso is possibly, together with Isaac del Toro, the young rider who creates the most expectations in terms of general classification, or put another way, as the future successor one day to Pogacar and Vingegaard.”
“Ayuso’s priority objective is to put everything into the Tour de France. Nobody is going to ask him to win the Tour, but they will ask him to do a great race and begin to establish himself.”
Derek Gee gives Giro leadership
Another reinforcement for the Grand Tours comes with the signing of Derek Gee.
“The other great reinforcement for the team is Derek Gee, the Canadian rider, national champion.”
“He will be the leader of the American outfit at the Giro d’Italia, at least to fight for a place on the podium.”
“He was a bit of the missing link the team lacked for the Grand Tours.”
Sprint strength built around Jonathan Milan
In the sprint department, Lidl-Trek continue to build around one of the peloton’s dominant finishers.
“Jonathan Milan is another phenomenon who, at 25, is already establishing himself as the most powerful sprinter.”
“He needed a solid and decisive train, and the team have been very careful with the additions of Mathias Norsgaard and Max Walscheid.”
Jonathan Milan and Mads Pedersen on the Gent Wevelgem podium
Pedersen as the Classics reference
For the northern Classics, Mads Pedersen is highlighted as the key figure.
“Pedersen is possibly the only rider right now capable of taking on Van der Poel in the Flemish Classics.”
“He has reached full maturity, has signed a lifetime contract with the team, and is the rider who has offered the most guarantees in recent seasons.”
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Multiple options across the Grand Tours
The absence of a single untouchable leader is presented as a tactical advantage.
“This team has a small handicap, but at the same time it is a compensation: they do not have an untouchable leader.”
“That forces them to present Grand Tour teams with options for the general classification and options for stage wins and the green jersey.”
“In whichever Grand Tour they are present, this team will always have alternatives.”
Depth well beyond the headline names
Beyond the star riders, there is significant depth throughout the roster.
“After these five great figures, there are a lot of top-level cyclists.”
“Giulio Ciccone is a versatile rider, capable of hunting stage wins, mountains classifications and playing a role in important races.”
“Thibau Nys is a rider with enormous talent, with fantastic finishing power, and he now needs to make the step up in quality.”
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Youth pipeline and long-term strength
The number of young riders and national champions is another reason the squad is being highlighted.
“There are five national champions in the team.”
“And when you look at the young riders coming through, the potential is truly impressive.”
“There is real substance here, a very important breeding ground of riders who are going to be protagonists.”
Budget and ambition at the top of the sport
The scale of the project is underlined by the team’s financial backing and ambition.
“We are talking about an imposing team, the most complete in the whole WorldTour.”
“They want to challenge UAE for that leadership.”
“With a budget that exceeds 50 million euros, we are talking about serious figures.”
“This is one of the teams called to be major protagonists of the season.”
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