Introducing Lidl-Trek Future Racing’s Class of 2025

After just one season on the road, Lidl-Trek Future Racing has had a phenomenal year – celebrating a World Champion, a pink jersey, and a cobblestone trophy, among other incredible achievements. As the 2024 season winds down, we turn our focus to the future, announcing the thirteen development riders who will wear the Lidl-Trek colors in 2025 – 10 familiar faces along with three new riders: Hector Álvarez, Andrea Bessega and Sebastian Grindley.

We spoke to Sebastian Andersen, Sports Director, and Markel Irizar, Manager of Lidl-Trek Future Racing, to hear their thoughts on the Team’s first campaign as they look to capitalize on a successful start.

“It’s been quite unreal,” reflected Sebastian. “I remember when we first met in December camp, at the first real training camp get together, it was quite natural for us to fit together, and the atmosphere was built quite fast. Everybody had their own specialties, but in some ways it was quite strange, because they were a group of, let’s say, underdogs. Most of them never have made big, big results, they came out from nowhere. It was a funny bunch that we put together, but then there was so much motivation from all sides, especially from Markel, which I think trickled a little bit down, that we were able to put into the races.”

“It’s been fantastic to start a project from the ground up and see such success so quickly,” enthused Markel. “The level of competition is high, and as we head into our second year, the team has set a strong standard. With many of our riders returning, I’m confident they will keep the spirit of the team alive and continue building on our solid foundation. The future looks bright.”

Jakob on his way to the podium at Tour de la Provence against the pros (Photo by Billy Ceusters/Getty Images)

Our 13 Riders

Nils Aebersold

“Coming from mountain biking, Nils needed some time to adapt to longer road races, and he’s done a great job. His progress in the second half of the season has been impressive, and he’s finishing strong. 2025 will be a key year for him.” – Irizar

Hector Álvarez (NEW!)

“Hector won 20 races this year, including five stage races. He’s fast, smart, and versatile – good in time trials, classics, and climbs. He’s one of the best juniors in the world, but we’re taking care not to rush his development. We see huge potential in him and can’t wait to see him in Lidl-Trek colors.” – Irizar

Andrea Bessega (NEW!)

“Andrea has a GC profile, with a strong time trial and climbing ability. Last year was great, but 2025 will be a year for him to grow even more, especially with targeted training. He has plenty of room for improvement.” – Irizar

Kristian Egholm

“Kristian has been one of the big surprises this year. As a junior, he showed great promise, and 2024 confirmed his potential. Next year, especially during the classics season, we expect him to take another big step forward.” – Irizar

Nils Aebersold leads the bunch (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

Patrick Frydkjær

“Patrick was unlucky this year, having to finish the season early. But with his work ethic and personality, I know he’ll be a key player in 2025. I’ve told him not to worry—we believe in him, and if luck’s on his side, he’ll be rock-solid next year.” – Irizar

Seb Grindley (NEW!)

“Seb had an incredible performance at Worlds, proving he’s a championship rider. He’s professional, driven, and brings great energy to the team. I’m excited to see him racing from the front next year.” – Andersen

Cole Kessler

“Cole is an all-rounder—he can help with positioning, climbs well, and is strong on the flats. He’s a key asset to the team in a variety of situations. Furthermore brings a great attitude to the Team. He’s a fighter and always makes smart moves in the breakaways.” – Irizar

Louis Leidert

“He’s a born racer, and his motivation is sky-high. After training on longer climbs this year, I’m confident he’ll be even more prepared for those big mountain stages in 2025.” – Andersen

Matteo Milan

“Matteo has immense potential. He faced some bad luck, but he’s grown significantly. When we tested him, his numbers were outstanding. With the right support and time, I’m confident we’ll see even more from him.” – Irizar

Matteo Milan racing with our WorldTour team in Belgium (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)

Liam O’Brien

“Liam is one of our pure climbers and had a great first year. After some rest, I expect him to come back refreshed and ready for even bigger achievements next season.” – Andersen

Martin Pedersen

“Martin has clear leadership qualities, much like his brother, Mads. He’s helped the younger riders stay calm and make smart decisions in races, essentially acting as a second Sports Director in the peloton. But his own development is ongoing, and I believe we’ll see him achieving even more results next year.” – Andersen

Cameron Rogers

“Cameron had a solid first full year, and he’s only going to build on that. He’s already managed to beat a top rider like Ganna, and I’m sure he’ll seize more opportunities in 2025.” – Andersen

Jakob Söderqvist

“Jakob has massive potential—he’s a raw talent with a huge engine and power. He almost beat Mads in a prologue earlier this year and has proven himself repeatedly, like at the Tour de Bretagne. Next year, we expect him to combine racing with both the Development and WorldTour teams, taking his consistency and performance to the next stage.” – Andersen

Liam O’Brien

“Liam is one of our pure climbers and had a great first year. After some rest, I expect him to come back refreshed and ready for even bigger achievements next season.” – Andersen

Martin Pedersen

“Martin has clear leadership qualities, much like his brother, Mads. He’s helped the younger riders stay calm and make smart decisions in races, essentially acting as a second Sports Director in the peloton. But his own development is ongoing, and I believe we’ll see him achieving even more results next year.” – Andersen

Cameron Rogers

“Cameron had a solid first full year, and he’s only going to build on that. He’s already managed to beat a top rider like Ganna, and I’m sure he’ll seize more opportunities in 2025.” – Andersen

Jakob Söderqvist

“Jakob has massive potential—he’s a raw talent with a huge engine and power. He almost beat Mads in a prologue earlier this year and has proven himself repeatedly, like at the Tour de Bretagne. Next year, we expect him to combine racing with both the Development and WorldTour teams, taking his consistency and performance to the next stage.” – Andersen

Jakob Söderqvist celebrates leading the Giro after winning the opening time trial

Lidl-Trek Future Racing, 2025

Nils Aebersold, Switzerland, 21 years old

Hector Álvarez, Spain, 17 years old

Andrea Bessega, Italy, 18 years old

Kristian Egholm, Denmark, 20 years old

Patrick Frydkjær, Denmark, 19 years old

Sebastian Grindley, United Kingdom, 18 years old

Cole Kessler, United States of America, 21 years old

Louis Leidert, Germany, 19 years old

Matteo Milan, Italy, 21 years old

Liam O’Brien, Ireland, 19 years old

Martin Pedersen, Denmark, 26 years old

Cameron Rogers, Australia, 19 years old

Jakob Söderqvist, Sweden, 21 years old