Michael Schär joins Lidl-Trek as a DS for 2024 - " I had 18 years as a pro in the WorldTour and now I think stepping over to the other side is the right time"

Michael Schär turned pro in 2006 and raced in the World Tour - and it's predecessor - throughout his whole career. Without a doubt, he is one of the most experienced people in the peloton and he is joining Lidl-Trek and one of the new Sporting Directors into 2024 most likely to support the team's classics ambitions.

“I have a good feeling to make the transition to life as a Sports Director at this moment. I had 18 years as a pro in the WorldTour and now I think stepping over to the other side is the right time," Schär said in a press release. "I’m looking forward to make the change from rider to director and start a new chapter. I’m super happy to join Lidl-Trek! In particular, I was thrilled when Luca Guercilena (Lidl-Trek General Manager) gave me the call... To get this call was a big honor for me and to join Lidl-Trek is something special.”

Schär has throughout his 18 years as a pro rider supported the likes of Alessandro Ballan, Philippe Gilbert and most notably Greg van Avermaet - with whom he raced together at BMC, CCC and lastly AG2R Citroën Team. The 37-year old had a tribute for his career at the Tour de Suisse, but ended his season recently at Paris-Tours. Behind the scenes he was already in talks with the American team, and he will be debuting in his new role from January onwards already.

“I was attracted to Lidl-Trek thanks to the fantastic team philosophy and culture. I already know some people from the staff group, and of course some riders," he continued. "I’m happy to move back into an American-style organization. It was cool to see that the riders and staff have such a strong bond together; as an external person being introduced to the group it felt good. What I’m most excited for is to see how the other side of the sport looks, in the car and getting into tactics. It’s a completely different facet of the sport and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into this new challenge. I’m also really looking forward to learning from the existing DS group because it’s a very experienced group of great people, I can learn so much from them.”