OFFICIAL: Lidl-Trek snatch up exciting UAE rider who won Grand Tour stage in 2026 as Pogacar's team dealt major transfer blow
CyclingMonday, 21 September 2026 at 12:45
Igor Arrieta will open a new chapter in his professional career from 2027. The young climber from Navarra will leave UAE Team Emirates XRG on the transfer market and move to Lidl-Trek, the team with which he has signed a three-year contract running through the end of 2029.
At 23, Arrieta has become one of the leading prospects in Spanish cycling. Born in Uharte Arakil, Navarra, he came through the junior ranks before stepping up to the WorldTour with UAE Team Emirates in 2024.
Since then, he has steadily gained experience in stage races and, in 2026, took a decisive step with his first WorldTour victory.
The win came on the fifth stage of the Giro d’Italia, in Potenza, after a finale marked by setbacks. Arrieta prevailed despite a crash and a wrong turn, delivering one of the most striking days of the Italian race.
His season was not defined by that victory alone. Before the Giro, the Spanish rider had finished third overall at the AlUla Tour and eighth at Itzulia Basque Country, results that reinforced his profile as a rider capable of competing in stage races.
Igor Arrieta celebrates his victory en la etapa 5 del Giro de Italia 2026.
Giro victory catches Lidl-Trek's eye
His Giro performance in particular caught Lidl-Trek’s eye and became one of the main reasons to move for his signature.
“This year’s fifth stage of the Giro d’Italia delivered one of the race’s most spectacular finishes; Igor’s win in Potenza impressed us and showcased not only his racing talent and skill, but also his potential to become a star. We believe Igor has a brilliant career ahead and we’re excited to work with him and see how he develops,” said Andy Schleck, Lidl-Trek general manager.
Arrieta arrives at Lidl-Trek as a versatile climber, equipped for big mountain days and varied scenarios within stage races. The team believes he still has room to grow and can progressively become a more important piece of its structure.
The rider himself approaches the move with enthusiasm and the aim of advancing after steady progress since his top-flight debut.
“I’m really excited to sign for Lidl-Trek; it’s a very big team that continues to grow under Lidl’s ownership. I’m eager to keep developing as a rider next season. I’ve improved year on year and I think I can keep progressing at Lidl-Trek. I’m thrilled by the idea of racing alongside great talents like Skjelmose, Pedersen, Ciccone, and the rest of the team.”
His deal through 2029 gives the Spaniard ample time to continue developing within the structure. Lidl-Trek blends established leaders with young talent, a context in which Arrieta hopes to keep moving forward.
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Igor Arrieta wants to improve across the board
The Navarrese rider does not want to limit his evolution to the mountains. One of his priorities over the coming years will be to become a more complete rider and improve in different areas of racing.
“I really hope to grow as a rider in all aspects of racing — on climbs, on the flat, and in time trials — and I’m very eager to cement my place in the team. From the outside, it looks like a team that works like a real family and a great place to belong.”
Lidl-Trek thus adds one of the Spanish climbers who has progressed most in 2026. Arrieta will have three seasons ahead to continue his development and try to become a key part of the team both at the Grand Tours and the leading stage races.
Jorge BorregueroWriter
Jorge Borreguero is a journalist with a degree from the Complutense University of Madrid and has been a writer for Cyclinguptodate and Ciclismoaldia since early 2023. In this role, he has played a key part in the evolution of the website, particularly as a specialist covering Movistar Team. He regularly writes race reports, analytical pieces, and in-depth features about the team, and has conducted exclusive interviews and attended multiple team presentations, providing readers with firsthand insights into one of the leading professional cycling squads.
Throughout his career, Jorge has maintained a strong focus on sports journalism, gaining experience across a variety of disciplines, including basketball and football. However, his current work is almost entirely dedicated to cycling, contributing extensively to Ciclismoaldia and its sister website Cyclinguptodate. For these platforms, he combines thorough research with detailed reporting to deliver high-quality content, ranging from race previews and results to expert analysis of teams and riders.
Jorge’s reporting is marked by accuracy, depth, and a commitment to providing readers with reliable and authoritative information. His direct engagement with teams, athletes, and events ensures that his coverage reflects firsthand knowledge and professional insight. Through his work, he has established himself as a trusted voice in professional cycling journalism, bridging the gap between the sport and its global audience while maintaining rigorous editorial standards.
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