Belgian developing talent ready to step up into WorldTour with Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek is pleased to announce that Belgian rider Margot Vanpachtenbeke has signed a contract that will see her represent the Team through 2027.
Vanpachtenbeke, 26, was a late starter by cycling standards, only beginning her professional career in 2023 with VolkerWessels. Over three seasons, she steadily developed her racing craft before stepping into the spotlight in 2024 with a breakout ride at the Thüringen Ladies Tour, where she won the opening stage from a two-up sprint after a bold 57km breakaway, spending four days in the leader’s jersey. She went on to claim a stage win and the overall title at the Giro Toscana, while also making her debut at some of the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France Femmes. Now, with a move to Lidl-Trek, Vanpachtenbeke is eager to continue her progression with the support, knowledge, and infrastructure of a WorldTour environment.
I know I still have a lot to learn and develop, and I truly believe that in a team surrounded by so much experience and knowledge, this is exactly the right place for me to grow and find my place.
“It still feels a bit unreal, to be honest. I’ve only been racing for a few years, and now making the step to this dream team… that’s something I could hardly have imagined,” said Margot Vanpachtenbeke. “I feel so honoured to wear the Lidl-Trek jersey for the next two seasons, and I’m super motivated to give my all. Knowing I’ll get the chance to learn from such experienced riders and staff is really special for me. I can’t wait to contribute and be a real part of the Lidl-Trek puzzle.
“From the very start of my cycling journey, Lidl-Trek has always been the team I looked up to the most, based on gut feeling. To me, it’s the perfect example of what a cycling team should be: a stable and professional environment, with a great atmosphere and a real sense of quality. I also love their attacking style of racing and the long-term vision they have for their riders. I know I still have a lot to learn and develop, and I truly believe that in a team surrounded by so much experience and knowledge, this is exactly the right place for me to grow and find my place.
“Before anything else, I want to get to know the people who make this team what it is, from the riders to every member of staff, from DS to cook. I think understanding how the team works together is the starting point for everything. I know I still have a lot to learn at pro level, so I’m looking forward to developing myself physically, mentally, and tactically. I want to discover where my limits are and how far I can go, while helping the team to achieve the best possible results. I’m especially excited to take on the punchy work and the stage races, like the kind of racing where teamwork, tactics, and resilience all come together. And throughout it all, I want to enjoy the process, because that’s when you grow the most and perform at your best.”
“In the short time Margot has been in the professional ranks she has already shown impressive growth — not only physically but also with her tactical awareness and racing instincts,” said Luca Guercilena, Lidl-Trek General Manager. “She is ambitious, eager to learn, and motivated to keep developing. At Lidl-Trek we can provide the platform for her to take the next step and continue unlocking her potential. We’re delighted to welcome her to the Team.”