Lidl-Trek Boss Hands Over Reins to Andy Schleck After 16 Years

After 16 years at the helm, Luca Guercilena is stepping down as general manager of the cycling team Lidl-Trek, handing over the reins to former rider Andy Schleck. The transition will occur following this summer's Tour de France, marking a significant leadership change for the team with strong Danish ties.

Guercilena, who was instrumental in establishing the team, known as Leopard Trek, in 2010, will be succeeded by Schleck. Schleck, who was part of the team from its inception as a rider, has served as Guercilena's right-hand man since last year. He will now assume the newly created role of CEO.

This leadership change is part of a broader organizational restructuring at Lidl-Trek, described by the team as embarking on a "new professional journey." The team has also announced the appointment of German Grischa Niermann as lead sports director. Niermann has played a crucial role in supporting Jonas Vingegaard's success with the Visma team in recent years.

The team's origins trace back to 2010 with Leopard Trek, involving several riders and managers from Bjarne Riis's former team. Andy Schleck himself departed from Riis's team before retiring from professional cycling in 2014. His return to the sport's inner circle last year as Guercilena's deputy has now culminated in his ascent to the top leadership position.

"I am incredibly grateful for the trust that has been shown to me," Schleck stated, according to the team's website. Lidl-Trek boasts several Danish stars, including Mads Pedersen, Mattias Skjelmose, Søren Kragh Andersen, and promising young talent Albert Withen Philipsen.

“

I am incredibly grateful for the trust that has been shown to me.