Lidl-Trek goes on GC tour in Vuelta: clarifying roles for Skjelmose, Hart and Ciccone
Cycling
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
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Latest Comments
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024