Lidl-Trek renew with one of it's stars until 2029 - "I have to still gain experience and learn how to be a big leader"

Mathias Vacek has recently crashed out of the Tour de Pologne where he was one of the biggest favourites to take the overall win. However in the days that have followed, Lidl-Trek have taken the opportunity to discuss with the Czech national champion his future and have today announced a prolongation of his contract, now lasting all the way into 2029.

“Mathias has all the makings of a big champion. His work ethic, the way he learns from those around him, and also how he treats his teammates and staff speaks volumes about his character," Luca Guarcilena said in a press release. "I believe that these qualities, combined with his physical ability, will take him very far. His performances over the last two years especially show that he is on the verge of some big wins. We’re excited to discover his full potential as we continue to work together over the next four years.”

The 23-year old is now under the longest contract in the American team, surpassing Albert Philipsen's deal into 2028. This is a clear sign of his talent and how much the team is keen on keeping him on board. He recently won both national titles and a stage at the Tour de Wallonie where he finished second overall.

“It’s now my third year in the Team and I’m super happy with how I’m developing,” the Czech rider said. “If I look back now at how I started and what level I was back then, and where I am now, I really couldn’t imagine that I would do such a jump like this and could be now on the top level. An important thing was definitely that I had so much trust in the Team and the Team trusted me, so I really had the support and freedom to take the wheel in my hands and do everything possible to reach the level I am now, and even further".

At the Giro d'Italia he was incredibly impressive in the support of Mads Pedersen, helping the maglia ciclamino towards several stage wins. He signed with the team in 2023 and in 2024 he really broke through with supporting and leading role within the second half of the team, always at an extremely high level. He was close to leading La Vuelta in his very Grand Tour debut day, and also finished second at Paris-Tours to close the year.

“I’m really happy that the team saw the potential in me and I can now pay back to the team with results," he adds. "Step by step I’m getting to where I want to be and for sure even bigger results will come in the future. Of course, everything has to go well and I need to keep my focus and be patient, but I’m feeling really confident to be here in this team, which is also developing every year and doing everything possible for the riders to be the number one in the world. For this I’m really grateful".

Vacek is now out of competition but should be present at the upcoming Renewi Tour where, if he has his best form, he could be in contention for the win once again. But the team is thinking of his long-term future. “For the next years I definitely have big ambitions, of course, it would be nice to race the Tour de France in the future, maybe even next year. I would love to win a stage at the Tour, I know it’s a big task but I am really motivated and looking forward to working hard to reach my best. I’ve already worn the White Jersey in the Vuelta and the Giro, now it would be nice to wear it at the Tour," he foresees.

"I’m confident that the next years will be really good. The classics are some of my favorite races to do and there I want to also be really good. I know I have the power in myself and now I have to still gain experience and learn how to be a big leader and put myself in the big player game. I know that I’m close and know that if I work well and stay focused it will come.”