"Lidl-Trek is losing one of the good ones" - Another key staff member set to leave team after ten years as rider pays tribute to head sports director
Cycling
Lidl-Trek's period of organisational change has continued as a key staff member has confirmed he will step away from the team at the end of 2026. Head sports director Steven de Jongh will leave the team after a decade at the team.
Through the various incarnations of the team, de Jongh has overseen the likes of Mads Pedersen, Giulio Ciccone, Jonathan Milan and others within the team. Retiring as a rider in 2009, he previously worked with Team Sky and Saxo Tinkoff before joining the team in 2017.
His departure comes after Andy Schleck moved into the newly created role of CEO this season after Luca Guercelina stepped away from the team following a 16 year spell. Grischa Niermann also joined the team as Chief Sporting Officer from Visma | Lease a Bike.
Taking to social media, de Jongh declared his pride despite his time with the team coming to an end: “After 10 incredible years, it’s time for me to say goodbye to Lidl-Trek,” De Jongh said in an Instagram post.
“Looking back, I feel incredibly proud and grateful for the journey we’ve shared. So many beautiful memories, unforgettable victories and special moments that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
De Jongh hints of future role in cycling
Praising a host of riders, the experienced sports director believes that his life will still revolve around cycling as he declared his options are open moving forward.
“From the years with Alberto Contador and Richie Porte to the successes with Mads Pedersen, Giulio Ciccone, Jasper Stuyven, Quinn Simmons, Jonny Milan and so many other incredible riders, it has been a privilege to be part of this journey and to witness so much cycling history from the inside.
“As for me, I’m keeping my options open. Cycling has been such a big part of my life for so long, and I think that will not change.”
Read also
Quinn Simmons pays tribute
One current Lidl-Trek rider in Quinn Simmons paid tribute to the Dutch sports director, crediting his influence and guidance as crucial to his development and success as a rider in recent seasons.
Simmons said: “Everything I’ve achieved can be credited to this man. Not sure what comes next for us, but one thing is sure, Lidl-Trek is losing one of the good ones.”
Simmons has become one of the team's most important riders, and was integral behind Mads Pedersen's green jersey ride at the 2026 Tour de France. The versatile American also translated his team success to the national team last weekend as his teamwork led to Brandon McNulty's rainbow jersey win at the National Championships.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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