Steven de Jongh is leaving Lidl-Trek after 10 years: 'I'm keeping my options open'

De Jongh was a professional cyclist from 1995 to 2009, riding for TVM and Rabobank until he spent his final four years as a pro with Quick-Step Innergetic. The sprinter claimed 29 professional victories, including the E3 Prize and two wins at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. In 2011, he began working as a team director at Sky, after which he joined Saxo-Tinkoff.

There, he joined a team built around Alberto Contador. During that time, the Spaniard won the Vuelta a España and the Giro d'Italia, among other races. When Contador signed a contract with Trek-Segafredo, De Jongh went along with him. Contador retired after a year, but the Dutchman stayed on. He went on to become one of the team’s most important pillars.

During the ten years that De Jongh served as team director, the team won, among other races, the Tour of Lombardy with Bauke Mollema and Milan-Sanremo with Jasper Stuyven. But it’s time for a new chapter. “After ten incredible years, it’s time to say goodbye to Lidl-Trek,” says De Jongh. “I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the adventures we’ve shared.”

De Jongh has experienced a lot with the team. “So many wonderful memories, unforgettable victories, and special moments that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. From the years with Alberto Contador and Richie Porte to the successes with Mads Pedersen, Giulio Ciccone, Jasper Stuyven, Quinn Simmons, Jonny Milan, and so many other incredible riders—it was a privilege to be part of this journey and to witness so much cycling history from the inside.'

Team manager Luca Guercilena had also left Lidl-Trek earlier. The Dutchman had kind words for the Italian. “A special thanks to Luca Guercilena, who has been such an important part of this story, and to Trek for their trust, support, and dedication over so many years. None of this would have been possible without you.”

A new chapter is now beginning for De Jongh. Exactly what that will entail isn’t clear even to him yet. “I wish Lidl and the entire team all the best for the future and success in this new chapter. As for me, I’m keeping my options open. Cycling has been such a big part of my life for so long, and I don’t think that will change,” he concludes.