Lidl-Trek secure contract extension with one of the peloton's biggest workhorses through 2026

Lidl-Trek have been working hard to strengthen their ranks since the supermarket powerhouse came on board in 2023. Despite all the new faces however, one of their most quietly impressive riders in recent years has been Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier, with the Eritrean now rewarded with contract extension.

“Last year I had to wait until the very last minute to know if I had a contract. I got my opportunity and I promised myself to exploit it full gas, from the very first moment," reacts the 29-year-old in conversation with the Lidl-Trek team's official website after his extension through 2026 was confirmed by the team.

"Before this year, I felt that I was not able to show my whole talent. I had some bad luck, like the heavy crash I suffered in Catalunya in 2022 as well the sickness suffered in the Giro 2023 contributed to creating an unfavourable situation. I approached the new season with strong motivation and the desire to show who Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier really is. I was really pleased with how it went so far. I did good performances and the Giro, which was maybe the icing on top,” continues the three time Eritrean time trial champion. “In Italy, I felt good everyday, I’m really satisfied with the way I rode and that I was always able to do what the Team asked me – helping or going on the attack. I went full gas everyday. That’s how I see my future."

The Team knows it can count on me and, at the same time, I would like to exploit every chance to get personal results. Starting from the second part of this season. I’ll look for something special for myself in the future. Getting a top result for me means also presenting something to Team. That’s my aim," he concludes. "I’m really happy for this renewal. I’ve always felt good in this Team, I’ve felt comfortable in this group. It’s really like a family for me. Continuing with Lidl-Trek was at the top of my priority.”

“Amanuel has found a home at Lidl-Trek, where his talent and work ethic is appreciated by the whole Team," adds Lidl-Trek's Luca Guercilena. "At the Giro, he rode not only exceptionally selflessly, but also at an incredibly high level, and we will continue to work with him to consistently achieve this high level. He has the heart and the talent, and with a bit of good luck he can continue to grow in this Team.”