Lidl-Trek goes on GC tour in Vuelta: clarifying roles for Skjelmose, Hart and Ciccone

The German-American team Lidl-Trek is going on the climber's journey for the Vuelta a Espana. Last week, it was announced that Mads Pedersen - contrary to earlier reports - would not participate, as the team is taking a different turn for the Spanish Tour: that of the GC riders. They should ensure a solid final classification and stage wins.

In theory, Mattias Skjelmose, Giulio Ciccone, and Tao Geoghegan Hart can all do well in the GC at the Vuelta. Still, the team itself is pushing Skjelmose explicitly as the leader. Geoghegan Hart gets the role of co-leader, while Ciccone, after his 11th-place finish at the Tour, will mainly provide support and may hunt for stage victories.

"Skjelmose is going for his big goal this season," we read back. "The Vuelta has been the focus of his 2024 season since the beginning, so he can also count on strong climbers who will assist him. Geoghegan Hart will step up as co-leader after missing the Tour." The Brit recently crashed on the Tour of Burgos but has recovered in time.

"Ciccone will play an important role uphill for the leaders but will also have the ability to go for stages himself in the mountains," continues the team, which also defines Sam Oomen, Carlos Verona, and Patrick Konrad as important helpers for the (middle) mountains.

On the flat, Belgian Otto Vergaerde should provide the team with horsepower, while talented Czech Mathias Vacek may make his grand tour debut. The all-rounder proved in a few rounds this year as Thibau Nys' right-hand man that he can go uphill well, has a good time trial, and can also arrive quickly. "So don't be surprised if you see him fighting for stage wins during the Vuelta," the team writes.

Read more below the photo.

Selection Lidl-Trek Vuelta a Espana 2024

Giulio Ciccone
Tao Geoghegan Hart
Patrick Konrad
Sam Oomen
Mattias Skjelmose
Mathias Vacek
Otto Vergaerde
Carlos Verona