‘Lidl-Trek is losing one of the good ones’: Steven de Jongh to leave after a decade

The 52-year-old Dutchman announced his departure on Instagram on Saturday morning. His next move has not yet been decided, although De Jongh made clear that he is open to staying in cycling.

“After 10 incredible years, it’s time for me to say goodbye to Lidl-Trek,” De Jongh wrote.

“Looking back, I feel incredibly proud and grateful for the journey we’ve shared. So many beautiful memories, unforgettable victories and special moments that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

De Jongh joined the organisation in 2017, when it was still racing as Trek-Segafredo, and has since worked with several generations of the team’s leading riders.

Among those he mentioned were Alberto Contador and Richie Porte, as well as Mads Pedersen, Giulio Ciccone, Jasper Stuyven, Quinn Simmons and Jonathan Milan.

“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 has been a privilege to be part of this journey and to witness so much cycling history from the inside,” he said.

De Jongh also thanked former team manager Luca Guercilena and Trek, as well as the riders, staff and others he worked with during his time at the team.

“You have been much more than just colleagues,” he wrote.

Before joining Trek, De Jongh had already built up several years of experience as a sports director. After ending his professional racing career in 2009, he worked at Team Sky before moving to Saxo Tinkoff, where he was part of the staff around Contador.

His own racing career lasted from 1995 until 2009 and included spells with TVM, Rabobank and Quick-Step. Among his biggest victories were the E3 Saxo Classic and two editions of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.

What comes next remains open.

“As for me, I’m keeping my options open,” De Jongh said. “Cycling has been such a big part of my life for so long, and I think that will not change.”

One rider who was quick to react to the announcement was Quinn Simmons, whose relationship with De Jongh stretches back to the beginning of his professional career.

The American described De Jongh as the man behind his training and the voice in the team car throughout all seven years of his career.

“Everything I’ve achieved can be credited to this man,” Simmons wrote on Instagram.

“Not sure what comes next for us, but one thing is sure, Lidl-Trek is losing one of the good ones.”

De Jongh’s departure comes during a period of significant change at the German team. Long serving general manager Luca Guercilena stepped down earlier this year after more than 16 years at the helm, with the team introducing a new leadership structure from August.

Andy Schleck moved into the newly created role of CEO, while Grischa Niermann joined from Visma | Lease a Bike as Chief Sporting Officer. Niermann, previously Head of Racing at Visma, now oversees Lidl-Trek’s sporting direction as the team continues to reshape its management structure.