Lidl-Trek confirms its team for the Tour with Ayuso, Skjelmose, and Pedersen as leaders

Lidl-Trek has confirmed the lineup with which it will face the 2026 Tour de France and does so with one of the most balanced formations in the peloton. The American team will combine its aspirations in the general classification with Juan Ayuso and Mattias Skjelmose, without giving up on stage victories or the fight for the green jersey with Mads Pedersen.

Lidl-Trek presents itself to the Tour with Juan Ayuso and Mattias Skjelmose for the general classification and a clear goal: Pedersen's green jersey

The structure led by Steven de Jongh arrives at the Grande Boucle with boosted confidence after Ayuso's recent third place in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The Spaniard will be the team's main reference for the general classification and approaches the race with the ambition to fight for a podium spot in Paris.

“The goal is obviously to be on one of the podium steps in Paris. It will be three weeks of hard work and we will see what we can achieve,” Ayuso explained in statements released by Lidl-Trek.

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The Alicante native also made it clear that the first part of the race will be crucial to arrive with options for the decisive mountains.

“Everything can change in the Tour any day. The important thing is not to lose time and save energy in the early stages. I need to reach the first rest day conserving strength, avoiding falls and illnesses, to face the last week with real options,” he pointed out.

Skjelmose shares leadership and Derek Gee will be key in the mountains

Although Ayuso will be the main leader for the general classification, Lidl-Trek will also protect Mattias Skjelmose. The Dane will share leadership in the fight for the classification and will have a solid block of climbers around him.

Among them, Derek Gee stands out, who arrives after completing a very solid Giro d'Italia and will have an important role in the high mountain stages. Alongside him will be Carlos Verona, whose experience and ability in the climbs will be essential to support the two leaders.

Pedersen aims for green despite the new points system

Beyond the general classification, the team relies heavily on Mads Pedersen for its chances of success. The Dane, who has won two stages in the Tour throughout his career, will again pursue stage wins and the green jersey.

“The main goal is to win a stage and then try to fight for the green jersey, although the new points system does not particularly favor us. But nothing is impossible,” Pedersen assured.

The Danish champion continues to show that he can be competitive on much more demanding routes than those intended for pure sprinters, a characteristic that could make him a key player throughout much of the three weeks.

A block designed for all terrains

Lidl-Trek will also have riders capable of influencing practically any type of stage. Mathias Vacek will be a key piece for both flat and hilly days, while Quinn Simmons and Toms Skujiņš will provide power to control race situations, seek breaks, and protect the leaders.

Additionally, the team has specifically worked on the team time trial that will open the race in Barcelona. According to Steven de Jongh, the formation has conducted numerous aerodynamic preparation sessions and specific tests to tackle a day that could create the first significant differences among the general classification contenders.

“Juan is our leader for the general classification, but we also have Skjelmose in a protected role. Derek will be very important in the mountains and Mads will fight for the green jersey. We have prepared very well for the team time trial and hope to be competitive,” explained the sports director.

With a lineup capable of fighting for the final podium, contesting sprints, seeking breaks, and aiming for several stage victories, Lidl-Trek presents itself as one of the most complete teams in the 2026 Tour de France.

Lidl-Trek lineup for the 2026 Tour de France

1. Juan Ayuso
2. Derek Gee
3. Mads Pedersen
4. Quinn Simmons
5. Mattias Skjelmose
6. Mathias Vacek
7. Carlos Verona
8. Toms Skujiņš