A new GC pillar to close the gapAyuso arrives as Lidl-Trek’s first true, ready-made Grand Tour leader, signposting intent ahead of the 2026 Tour de France. The ambition is clear: to convert rising consistency into genuine yellow jersey contention against established giants.
“We were monitoring the market and so we were always ready if the chance came to sign a Grand Tour contender… When you’re ambitious and an opportunity comes your way, you’ve got to step-up and sign certain riders.”
Guercilena acknowledged that adding a second GC captain alongside Mattias Skjelmose inevitably creates internal pressure, but views that as part of elite sport. “Adding a new team leader can create some stress… I’m sure my staff have the ability to do that again. We’re excited about having signed Juan.”
The expectation is simple: Ayuso brings podium potential immediately.
Lidl backing raises ceiling for both men and women
This winter has also marked a major structural milestone, with Lidl becoming majority owner and the team switching to a German licence in 2026. Guercilena credits the supermarket’s commitment as transformative to the organisation’s future.
“Working with a global company like Lidl gives us something extra,” h says. “It makes us bigger, better and more successful and also gives us extra motivation, extra resources and opens a lot of doors to innovation.”
With investment comes expectation — both for stage-winning firepower and long-term stability. “We have to measure ourselves against UAE, Visma, FDJ-Suez and SD Worx… now Red Bull and probably Decathlon and others in the future.”
Building for the next cycling era
Guercilena was keen to highlight that while heavy resources matter, rider quality remains the defining factor in elite success. “There’s a lot of talk about performance but I’m convinced that it’s the riders who still make the difference between winning and losing.”
Even in an era shaped by Tadej Pogacar, Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel, Lidl-Trek’s leader is convinced the next wave is coming — and wants his squad ready to lead it.
“We’re currently in an era where Tadej Pogacar is clearly better than everyone else… But cycling is cyclical and new riders and new teams will emerge sooner or later,” says Guercilena. “We’ve got to make sure we have the riders who will lead the next wave of success… Fortunately, so do we.”
Lidl-Trek in action
The vision: Grand Tours first, Tour de France next
The target is no secret. “Our first goal is to win a Grand Tour, then we want to win the Tour too. The Tour is the big goal.”
With Ayuso, Skjelmose, Jonathan Milan and Mads Pedersen, the squad now has strength across all fronts. The upcoming winter will decide who rides where — and who gets Tour leadership. “The final decision will be a sporting and performance decision… It’s ultimately my decision. It won’t be easy.”
But whether it is Ayuso in yellow, Pedersen in green or Milan in full sprint flight, one thing is certain: “Thanks to Trek’s vision and support in recent years and now Lidl’s backing, we’re confident about the future… Our time will come in the years ahead.”