The new-look Lidl-Trek team adds Sam Oomen to their roster for 2024
Lidl-Trek continues signing spree
The new-look Lidl-Trek team has completed their signing spree for the upcoming 2024 cycling season with the addition of Sam Oomen from Jumbo-Visma. This marks the ninth new rider to join the team, showcasing their determination to strengthen their squad.
Oomen signs three-year deal
Sam Oomen, a Dutch climber, has signed a three-year deal with Lidl-Trek, which will keep him with the team until the end of the 2026 season. Oomen previously spent three years at Jumbo-Visma after a successful five-year stint with Sunweb.
Exciting newcomers and departures
Lidl-Trek’s revamped roster for the new season boasts some exciting newcomers. GC specialist Tao Geoghegan Hart and Giro d’Italia points jersey winner Jonathan Milan are among the notable additions. Additionally, Italians Simone Consonni, Fabio Felline, and Andrea Bagioli, as well as Carlos Verona, Patrick Konrad, and Ryan Gibbons, will join the team. On the other hand, Filippo Baroncini, Jon Aberasturi, and Markus Hoelgaard will be departing, and Tony Gallopin is retiring.
Oomen’s anticipation of joining the team
Expressing his excitement about joining Lidl-Trek, Sam Oomen mentioned his admiration for Bauke Mollema, whom he considers an inspirational rider. Oomen also shares a strong connection with Tao Geoghegan Hart, as they have known each other since their junior racing days. He looks forward to being teammates with them and hopes to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
Goals and aspirations
Oomen aims to contribute to the team’s successes and biggest goals in 2024. While achieving personal results would be nice, he prioritizes giving his best both on and off the bike, emphasizing the importance of mindset, environment, and consistency. With his strongest years believed to lie ahead, Oomen hopes to create significant achievements with Lidl-Trek.
Positive impression of Lidl-Trek
Sam Oomen had previously met Lidl-Trek’s general manager, Luca Guercilena, before turning professional in 2016. Although he chose to join another team at that time, he always held a favorable impression of Guercilena and his team. Now, making the move to Lidl-Trek feels like the right decision for him, given the timing and the team’s values.
Remaining roster spots and uncertain futures
With the majority of the squad already signed up, Lidl-Trek only has a few roster places left for the upcoming season. Bauke Mollema, Mads Pedersen, Giulio Ciccone, Mattias Skjelmose, Quinn Simmons, and Juan Pedro López will continue with the team. The futures of out-of-contract riders Kenny Elissonde, Antwan Tolhoek, and Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier still remain uncertain.