Tim Declercq pens two-year deal with Lidl-Trek

After months of speculation, American WorldTeam Lidl-Trek have finally announced the acquisition of Belgian powerhouse, Tim Declercq. The 34-year-old is the latest rider to leave Soudal Quick-Step's ranks, and will join up with the likes of Carlos Verona and Tao Geoghegan Hart at Lidl-Trek.

Upon signing a two-year contract that will begin at the start of 2024, Declercq spoke of his excitement at the project that the team formerly known as Trek-Segafredo are building, with the cash influx provided by supermarket, Lidl.

“I think Lidl-Trek is a growing team with great values. They ride attractively and are stepping up their game every year," he noted. "I’m super excited to join them. It also looks like they are keen to start working more and more with a science-based approach and are open for innovation.

"I think it’s great for cycling that such a big firm wants to invest in cycling," Declercq added. "That they chose the Lidl-Trek team to sponsor only shows that it’s a super professional team with great values."

Seven seasons with Soudal Quick-Step come to an end, but the timing was right

The move will bring Declercq's chapter at Soudal Quick-Step to a close, where he has become one of the peloton's most well-known riders for the countless hours spent spearheading the peloton. At 6'2" and almost 80kg, the Belgian is a gentle giant off the bike, but a mean powerhouse on it.

Regularly spotted dragging the peloton along for kilometres on end, Declercq became a particularly invaluable member of Soudal Quick-Step's Classics team, often doing the job of two men to spare his teammates' legs for later in the race.

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Throughout his time with Patrick Lefevere's side, Declercq has helped his teammates win Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and Milano-Sanremo - four of cycling's five Monuments.

He has also ridden six Grand Tours, but his comments to Lidl-Trek perhaps hint at Soudal Quick-Step's change away from the Classics in recent years - something that may have left the Belgian feeling like a spare part at times.

"I’ve got some great moments together. On the other hand, the last few years the team has also not been the same anymore and I really look forward to a new challenge," he admitted.

Lidl-Trek continue streak of big transfers for 2024 and beyond

Now looking ahead to pastures new, Declercq can look forward to being one in a fleet of new signings that have been snapped up by the ever-ambitious Lidl-Trek outfit. To date, they have made ten new signings for 2024, including Jonathan Milan (Bahrain Victorious), Andrea Bagioli (Soudal Quick-Step) and of course, Giro d'Italia winner Geoghegan Hart.

Read more:

• Tao Geoghegan Hart signs three-year deal with Lidl-Trek
• Carlos Verona heads to Lidl-Trek after Ineos Grenadiers ice deal

"His remarkable dedication and exceptional skills make him the prototypical domestique," Lidl-Trek general manager Luca Guercilena said of Declercq. "Tim has made a name for himself not because of his own results, but for his selfless spirit and willingness to give his all to the collective goal.

"For this reason, I believe Tim will be a valuable addition to our roster."