An extraordinary rumor comes to us from Spain. Aleix Espargaró stepped down as a MotoGP rider this year. The 35-year-old Spaniard said goodbye to his motorcycle, but now he may trade his two-wheeler for a non-motorized bicycle. According to Spanish AS, he will sign a contract with Lidl-Trek 's development team next season.
Espargaró has been a great cycling fan and passionate cyclist all his life. The Spaniard accounted for 225 MotoGP races as a motorcycle rider, winning three. But when possible, he gets on the road bike. This is also a way of training, as several motorcycle and car racers see cycling as an excellent fitness workout. But it is more than just getting into shape. For the motorcyclist from Catalonia, cycling is his number one hobby. He regularly gets on his bike to ride with good friends Marc Soler and Carlos Verona. The latter has been cycling with Lidl-Trek since this year, which could be the opportunity Espargaró sought.
"When I leave MotoGP, I would like to become a professional cyclist," he said five years ago. The dream now seems to be turning into reality, as seen in an Instagram story that has since been deleted. The Spaniard was watching the Ayrton Senna documentary, but an attentive observer could spot a Lidl-Trek jersey in the corner of the photo. Spain's AS also reported that he was in Denia, the location of the U.S. team's training camp. The formation told the newspaper to watch out for an imminent press release.
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Espargaró was previously an ambassador for Specialized and Gobik, but that partnership has been terminated, opening the path to his new team. A move to the WorldTour team is impossible for now, as Lidl-Trek has already enrolled 30 riders for next season. However, the development team still has plenty of space. Under the coaching of the continental team, Espargaró will first gain experience in gravel races before making his debut on the road during the season. The Tour of Burgos ( August 5 to 9) is said to be the possible first race for the Spaniard.