Never gonna give you up 🎶 @skjelmose_ isn’t going anywhere! The Dane 🇩🇰 signs a contract extension through 2026 🕺🏻 🗞️ Read our announcement: racing.trekbikes.com/stories/lidl-t…
Lidl-Trek renews with Mattias Skjelmose into 2026 - "I would love to have stood on a Grand Tour podium by the next time we have this conversation"
CyclingMonday, 26 February 2024 at 11:15
Mattias Skjelmose is a talent that has developed quite a lot within Lidl-Trek and the American team was keen on keeping him on board. A new deal has been signed between the two until 2026 as the Dane focuses on the hilly classics, stage-races and Grand Tours over the coming years.
“Lidl-Trek always believed in me, since day one. It was quite an easy choice, when they came with an offer, showing me even more trust, it was hard to say no. I developed a lot as a Lidl-Trek rider and it’s always a risk to change teams and I didn’t see any reason to do that when I believe I can improve more here," the Dane said in a press release. "The Team proposed a good plan for me which I was very happy with. It fits perfectly with my vision and what I believe will work best for me."
Skjelmose aims for the Ardennes and the Vuelta a España this year, where he will try to go for the GC. Thus far he's proven himself as a very strong puncheur having finished second to Tadej Pogacar at Flèche Wallone last year for example... A quality stage-racer having beaten Juan Ayuso and Remco Evenepoel at the Tour de Suisse last summer... And his next step is to be able to take the leap in a three-week race.
"I would love to have stood on a Grand Tour podium by the next time we have this conversation about a contract extension, hopefully with the same team," he tells. "That’s the dream scenario, but I have a lot of other goals, and as long as I keep developing, I’m also really happy. Everything moves so fast in this sport, and if you stand still, you’re in trouble. For me, right now, I couldn’t imagine being in a better place.”
At 23 years of age, Skjelmose is entering an important season where he must stand his ground in a team that has significantly boosted itself over the winter. Judging by last year's results all-year round however, it is safe to say the Dane is in a great position.
“We’re proud of the way Mattias has developed with us, both on and off the bike. He has grown into both a race winner and one of our leaders, and he still has plenty of space to keep improving." team manager Luca Guercilena added.
"His raw talent, work ethic and humble nature will take him far in this sport, and I’m happy that he will remain a part of this family through 2026. This year the Ardennes Classics and the Vuelta are big objectives for him, I’m excited to see what he is able to do with our support.”
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