The competition has been warned: Lidl-Trek’s new leaders Gee and Ayuso are already climbing like the best in training

Ayuso was one of the winter’s most talked-about transfers after his departure from UAE Team Emirates–XRG. There was tension during the Vuelta a España, where his work in support left something to be desired, but two stage wins underlined just how strong his legs were. While the race was still underway, it was announced that he would be leaving the team. Lidl-Trek took the gamble and offered him a five-year contract.

Gee-West, meanwhile, has also been a major talking point. He made his real breakthrough as a Grand Tour rider with fourth place at the Giro d’Italia, but was then left out of the Vuelta selection. It later emerged that he had torn up his contract due to the Israeli background of Israel–Premier Tech. Only in 2026 did he find a new team.

So neither rider has arrived quietly — but there is certainly no lack of talent. Lidl-Trek has seen that previous GC leaders Giulio Ciccone and Mattias Skjelmose often shone on other terrain, while truly top-end Grand Tour results remained out of reach. With Ayuso and Gee, the team has recruited two genuine top-level names, who will now have to carry a heavy burden.

In two weeks’ time, the pair are expected to race in Lidl-Trek colours for the first time at the Volta ao Algarve. They are deep into their build-up for the new season — and it seems to be going very well. Together, and alongside super-domestique Carlos Verona, they completed a big training ride on Tenerife that included the famous El Teide training climb.

The session totalled 160 kilometres with a massive 4,200 metres of climbing, according to the data on Strava. And it was far from an easy spin: the intensity was high. The climb to Benijos (7.4 km at 6.1%) was ridden hard, with KOM times flying around. The trio covered the ascent in 15 minutes and 38 seconds — a performance that works out at roughly 7.4 watts per kilo.

Those are serious numbers. Ayuso and Gee-West also posted a VAM of 1,750. Anyone familiar with that kind of figure will know it is no joke — especially for an early-February training ride. Lidl-Trek’s new leaders are already showing their best side very early in the year.