Mads Pedersen signs lifetime deal with Lidl-Trek

What seemed incredible in cycling a few years ago is now starting to become a trend, Danish rider Mads Pedersen has just committed for life to the team he has been with since 2017, joining the exclusive group of cyclists with indefinite contracts, along with Wout van Aert and Marianne Vos.

Mads Pedersen signs a lifetime contract with Lidl-Trek and joins the exclusive "forever" club in cycling

Mads Pedersen has become the third professional cyclist to sign a lifetime contract with his team. The 29-year-old Danish rider has agreed to continue with Lidl-Trek for his entire sporting career, establishing himself as a key figure in the American team.

"Since I arrived in 2017, I felt at home. This decision was really easy to make: Lidl-Trek is like a second family," stated Pedersen. "I am proud to stay here for my entire career. It's something not many can say."

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It is worth noting that until recently, it was common in professional cycling to have one or two-year contracts. However, the landscape has changed with the arrival of the so-called "super teams," backed by million-dollar budgets and global sponsors. This context has led to long-term agreements that provide stability for both riders and teams.

Visma-Lease a Bike was a pioneer in this field with Wout van Aert's "lifetime contract" in 2024. Months later, cycling legend Marianne Vos also signed a similar agreement with the Dutch team. Pedersen is now the third member of this exclusive club.

Pedersen's move reinforces this trend. At 29 years old, he has won stages in all three Grand Tours and dreams of adding a monument to his list of achievements. His continuity guarantees not only performance but also identity for Lidl-Trek.

Lidl-Trek's general manager, Luca Guercilena, has no doubt about his rider's commitment: "Mads has shown exemplary loyalty and professionalism. We are convinced that he will continue to perform at his best until the day he decides to hang up his bike."

Will this become the norm or will it remain a privilege reserved for unique talents like Pedersen, Van Aert, or Vos? Only time will tell, but the fact is that Mads has already written his name on a new page of modern cycling.