Igor Arrieta joins Lidl-Trek through 2029 after his breakthrough 2026 season

Lidl-Trek continues to strengthen its roster for the upcoming seasons and has just announced the signing of one of the most promising young Spaniards. Igor Arrieta will race for the American team starting in 2027 and has signed a contract for three seasons, until the end of 2029.

Igor Arrieta will switch from UAE Team Emirates to Lidl-Trek in 2027

At 23 years old, Arrieta will face a new chapter in his career after a 2026 season in which he has made significant progress. The cyclist from Navarre, originally from Uharte Arakil, joined the WorldTour with UAE Team Emirates in 2024 and has since gained prominence, especially in stage races.

His progression has been confirmed this year. Arrieta achieved his first WorldTour victory in the fifth stage of the Giro d'Italia, finishing in Potenza. A particularly striking win due to how it happened, after overcoming a fall and taking a wrong turn during a chaotic stage finish.

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It was not his only notable result of 2026. Before the Giro, he had already finished third in the general classification of the AlUla Tour and later was eighth in Itzulia Basque Country. Results that have reinforced his profile as a climber capable of performing well in stage races.

Lidl-Trek has now signed him until 2029 with the intention of continuing to develop that potential.

"I feel very good about signing with Lidl-Trek. It is a really great team that continues to grow with the ownership of Lidl," explains Arrieta in the statement from his new team.

The Spaniard also points to his progression as one of the main reasons for making the change.

"I am very eager to continue growing as a rider over the next few seasons. In recent years I have improved every year and I believe I can continue to do so at Lidl-Trek. I am very excited to race with great talents like Skjelmose, Pedersen, Ciccone, and all the riders on the team."

His victory in the Giro convinced Lidl-Trek

From Lidl-Trek, they acknowledge that Arrieta's performance in the Giro d'Italia was one of the moments that showed them just how far the Navarrese can go.

Andy Schleck, the team's CEO, particularly remembers that fifth stage and believes that the way Arrieta handled the chaotic finish in Potenza showed more than just his ability to win.

"Stage 5 of this year's Giro d'Italia had one of the most dramatic finishes of the race and Igor's victory in Potenza impressed us. It showed not only his capability and skill in racing but also his potential to become an important figure in the future," says Schleck.

The signing also fits into the strategy that Lidl-Trek is following for the upcoming seasons, combining established riders with young cyclists who still have room for growth.

Arrieta arrives precisely with that intention. Although the mountains are currently one of his main terrains, the Spaniard wants to use his three years of contract to become a more complete rider.

"I hope to grow as a cyclist in all aspects, in climbs, on flat terrain, and in time trials, and I am eager to find my place within the team. From the outside, it seems like a team that functions like a true family and looks like a great place to be a part of."

Arrieta will still remain with UAE Team Emirates for the rest of 2026 and will join Lidl-Trek for the 2027 season. His contract with the American team will extend until the end of 2029.