All we had to do was wait for the official announcement and on Tuesday the time had come: Tim Declercq (34) will drive for Lidl-Trek for the next two seasons. This marks the end of seven seasons of Quick-Step for ‘El Tractor’.
“A rider who needs no introduction because you have already seen him at the head of the peloton for countless kilometers.” The announcement of the team, in which Jasper Stuyven, Thibau Nys, Edward Theuns and Otto Vergaerde are also active, is obvious. Declercq signs a contract until 2025 with the team that recorded 27 victories this season.
“We are pleased to welcome Tim Declercq to our team,” he said. “His remarkable dedication and exceptional skills make him a prototypical helper. Tim has made a name for himself, not because of his own results, but because of his selfless attitude and willingness to give everything to the collective goal. For this reason, I believe Tim will be a valuable addition to our selection.”
The rider himself also fully agrees. “I think Lidl-Trek is a growing team,” said Declercq. “They drive attractively and improve every year. I’m super excited to join them. It also seems that they increasingly want to work with a scientific approach and are open to innovation. With my background in physical education, I am really looking forward to working in that environment. It seems a bit like the Lidl logo has followed me around during my career (laughs), but I think it’s great for cycling that such a large company wants to invest.”
“Of course it will be very strange to leave Quick-Step after all these years,” El Tractor admits. “Some of the staff and riders have really become friends after all this time, and I’ve had some great moments. On the other hand, the team has not been the same in recent years and I am really looking forward to a new challenge. I know most of the Belgians quite well and I think we will have a lot of fun during the training camps. I am also looking forward to working for any rider that the team wants me to do, but I certainly hope to be of value to Mads Pedersen in the classics and the grand tours.”
