OFFICIAL: Champs-Élysées winner bolsters Lidl-Trek sprint train as well as their claim at Classics
CyclingTuesday, 29 September 2026 at 01:00
Lidl-Trek has announced its first signing for the sprint departement. Jordi Meeus will join the team from 2027 after agreeing a deal that ties him to the squad through the end of 2028. The 27-year-old Belgian arrives with a strong palmarès and the experience of fighting for wins on the sport’s biggest stages.
Meeus has established himself as one of the standout sprinters of his generation thanks to a blend of top-end speed, power, and an eye for threading gaps in fraught finales. He is more than a pure dragstrip finisher, bringing the stamina to remain competitive in one-day races and demanding classics.
The high point of his career came in 2023. That year he opened his Tour de France account, and did so on one of the race’s most iconic stages: the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Meeus outkicked the top sprinters on the final day, sealing one of the most significant victories of his career.
Since then, the Belgian has kept stacking wins and podiums at the highest level. Just in 2026, he racked up thirteen, including four podiums at Vuelta a Espana, and four victories.
Among his most recent triumphs is this year’s Ename Samyn Classic and Brussels Cycling Classic, confirming that his victory in Paris was not a complete one-off.
Jordi Meeus wins on Champs-Élysées in 2023
Meeus excited about the move
Lidl-Trek’s new rider acknowledges that the transfer is also a chance to embrace a fresh environment after several years competing at the top level.
"I’m really looking forward to racing in Lidl-Trek’s colors. I’ve always admired the team, especially since watching races as a kid. There have always been big names on the squad: the Schleck brothers, Cancellara, Stijn Devolder… I remember when Devolder won the Belgian title in Trek colors. I can’t wait to pull on the jersey and fit into the team. I’m keen for a change of scene and a new experience."
Meeus’ arrival gives Lidl-Trek both an experienced finisher and a rider who can serve as a lead-out. His power makes him a valuable asset in bunch sprints, while he can also play a key role in one-day races where a sprint is not the only likely outcome.
The Belgian already knows some of his future teammates, having shared a locker room with several of them at earlier stages of his career.
"I know quite a few riders on the team, like Kämna, Konrad, and Sobrero — I’ve raced with them in previous years — and I’m excited to line up with them again. There will be familiar faces, but I’ll also meet a lot of new people, which is great."
Jordi Meeus links up with several familiar faces in Lidl-Trek
Meeus joins Lidl-Trek aiming to play a prominent part both in lead-outs and in his own chances. The Belgian explains that one of his roles will be to work for Jonathan Milan in sprint finishes, though he will also have room to chase personal results when the opportunity arises.
"My goal is to win a lot of races with the team. I’ll help Jonny in the lead-outs; I’ll try to drop him off in the best possible position for the sprints. I also have my own ambitions in some classics and other sprint races when the chance comes."
"I’m taking on a slightly different role to what I’m used to, but I’m eager to slot into the sprint train and keep growing as a rider. I’m not a youngster anymore, but I believe I still have room to improve, and this team is definitely the ideal environment."
Versatility is precisely one of the traits Lidl-Trek values most. The team believes his calm under pressure and knack for finding position in chaotic finales can make him a key piece for both the sprint group and the classics unit during his two-season stint.
A sweet treat in Belgium today! Welcome to your new home, Jordi Meeus!
— Lidl-Trek (@LidlTrek) September 28, 2026
Jordi joins Lidl-Trek through 2028 📰🔗 https://t.co/1gWLQTaw5U pic.twitter.com/oj3w5CX4uj
Andy Schleck praises his poise in chaos
Lidl-Trek’s general manager, Andy Schleck, also welcomed the Belgian’s arrival, highlighting in particular his skill at positioning in the most hectic phases of sprints.
"Jordi’s ability to position himself and stay calm amid the chaos of bunch sprints has helped him make a name for himself in the peloton. We believe he’ll be a key addition to our sprint group and our classics team over the next two years."
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"He’s a versatile rider, with strong race instincts and a palmarès that includes standout wins, like his memorable triumph on the Champs-Élysées. We’re excited to see what we can achieve together now that he’ll race in Lidl-Trek’s colors."
With a deal through 2028, Jordi Meeus will begin a new chapter from next season in a team eager to maximise both his speed and his classics craft. His experience in the biggest sprints and his victory on the Champs-Élysées are among the credentials he will bring to Lidl-Trek in 2027.
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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