August 23/23 9:09 am - Holmgren Sisters Sign with Lidl-Trek

Posted by Editoress on 08/23/23
 

Canadian Junior stars Isabella and Ava Holmgren have signed for two years with WorldTour team Lidl-Trek, the team announced today. Isabella is the current Junior women's Cyclo-cross and Cross-country world champion, while Ava won silver at Cyclo-cross Worlds and is the Elite national cyclo-cross champion.

1-2 at Cyclocross Worlds

In statements released by Lidl-Trek, the Holmgren sisters said:

Isabella Holmgren

"My first reaction when the Team contacted me was simply excitement. Being a part of a WorldTour Team was a long-term goal of mine, so to have been approached with this amazing opportunity coming out of the junior category was slightly shocking, but very exciting.

"I think it is a little bit intimidating to join such a great team, but that will only motivate me to be the best athlete and teammate I can possibly be. I'm ready for a new challenge and I'm eager to start working with the Team!

2023 CX Nationals - Junior Women: l to r - Rafaelle Carrier, Isabella Holmgren, Ella Smith


Isabella, 2023 Junior XC World Champion

"It's difficult to choose one thing that I'm most excited for - with so many new opportunities, I'm looking forward to just about everything. I can't wait to get to know this amazing Team, meet new people, and discover new places. In the next years of my development, my main ambitions are simply to learn and gain experience. Being part of a WorldTour Team will be an entirely new experience for me, so adapting to that kind of lifestyle and racing will be central to my development. My goal is to be the best asset and teammate that I can possibly be."

Ava Holmgren

"I couldn't be more excited to be a part of this incredible Team. I'm grateful for all the support I've gotten the last few years in order to reach this next level. Having this opportunity makes me feel privileged because I will transfer to the WorldTour level in my first year as an under 23.

2023 CX Nationals - Elite Women: l to r - Sandra Walter, Ava Holmgren, Holly Henry

"I've had my eyes on this Team for many years even though I am only 18 years old. Whether it was cheering on a home favourite mountain bike rider, racing the Cyclocross World Cup at the Trek Headquarters, or watching Lizzie Deignan win the first ever Paris-Roubaix. It is no secret that the Trek family has amazing programs, values, and success in each aspect of cycling. I think Lidl-Trek has a brilliant mix of experienced and growing riders, proving to be a perfect match for a new rider like me!

"I'm very excited to start a new chapter in my cycling career alongside my sister. I'm also looking forward to meeting everyone, adapting to new equipment, and learning from the riders on my Team. This new environment will be the best place for me to evolve into a better cyclist. My goal is to create the necessary foundations in lifestyle, training, and racing in order to have a strong base for a long career. I will have to adjust and adapt to the new challenges that will come my way. Challenges such as learning how to race with more teammates and how to navigate my way through the pro peloton."