Mattias Skjelmose has extended his contract with Lidl-Trek until the end of 2028. The timing of this extension is striking, as just a few days ago, the Amstel Gold Race winner seemed unhappy with a decision made by his team.
Skjelmose had already been critical of the arrival of Spanish GC contender Juan Ayuso at Lidl-Trek, but during the media day, the strained relationship between the two also became clear in front of the journalists. At the press conference, Mattias Skjelmose heard to his own dismay that Ayuso will also start in the Ardennes Classics in 2026. “This is news to me,” he said. “No, I was not told that. I was told I would be the sole team leader in the Ardennes.”
According to our reporter Youri IJnsen, this led to an awkward moment. But look, just a few days later, Skjelmose commits his future to the team through 2028. “Extending my contract with Lidl-Trek means everything to me,” explains the 25-year-old Dane. “I have said it many times and I will probably say it often in the future: this team is my family, I can’t see myself riding anywhere else.”
“The fact that our individual goals align with the team goals has always made us a strong unit. We haven’t always had the biggest budget, but we have always gotten the maximum out of every rider, mainly because we always find ways to work for each other and help each other perform above our level, and because we have a true team spirit. I have never met anyone who wouldn’t want to be part of this team.”
“One of the cornerstones”
Team manager Luca Guercilena calls Skjelmose one of his key players. “He has shown he can perform at the highest level, both in one-day races and in three-week stage races, and that versatility is incredibly important for us. Equally valuable is his mentality: he takes the lead when needed, but he is also willing to work for his teammates.”
Mattias Skjelmose| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2023 |
