Lidl-Trek’s GC riders disappoint big time: "We know we need to improve"

"We’ve got to keep working on the GC if we want to stay successful and compete with the top teams," Guercilena told Daniel Benson. "The teams ahead of us in the rankings put a lot of focus on the GC, but I think we’ve been more successful in terms of the classics and stage hunting. We know we need to step up in the GC, but there just aren’t many riders available. Our main strategy is to develop young talent — there’s really no other choice with so many long-term contracts locking riders in."

When top-tier transfers aren’t an option, you have to make do with what you have — but this year was a disappointment. For example, Tao Geoghegan Hart: the former Giro d’Italia winner was unable to regain his previous form due to bad luck, including setbacks in the Tour of Burgos. "This season, he had his fair share of bad luck. He put in a lot of effort over the winter to get back in shape, but a few crashes right before key moments set him back. Even so, he managed to make it to the Vuelta," Guercilena said. However, Hart’s performance in the Vuelta was underwhelming, with the Brit finishing a distant 62nd.

"We decided to end Tao’s season after the Vuelta," the Italian manager continued. "It might have been a bit early, but it allowed him to undergo surgery to remove leftover metal from a previous procedure. That will be a big relief for him and will give him a significant advantage for next season."

As such, expectations for Hart remain high: despite all the misfortune in recent years, Lidl-Trek isn't lowering the bar. "We have tremendous faith in him, and when someone has what it takes to win a grand tour, that belief doesn’t waver. Winning a grand tour is still his big goal — not only to be competitive but also to win."