36 year-old MotoGP racer Aleix Espargaro (LIDL-TREK) will line up for his first pro cycling race at the Tour of Austria on 9 July, moving from amateur team ambassador to pro stagiaire.

Although, prior to lining up the Spaniard will return to MotoGP racing at the Grand Prix of the Netherlands this weekend for team Honda HRC Castrol, dragging his knees around the track at over 300 km/h.

After semi-retiring from MotoGP at the end of 2024 Espargaro made the switch to a second racing career – cycling, landing an ambassador role at WorldTour team Lidl-Trek with hopes of one-day racing pro.

In March he showcased his abilities at the UCI Gravel World Series 114 Race in Spain, finishing an impressive 7th overall and qualifying for the 2025 Gravel World Championships.

Now, Lidl-Trek wants to see how Espargaro performs in the mountains at the 5 stage Tour of Austria. With 13,000+ meters of vertical ascent over 700 kilometers Espargaro will be pushed to his limits as one of the oldest riders in the race. He will be up against youngsters like 21 year-old Giro d’Italia runner-up Isaac del Toro (UAE TEAM EMIRATES- XRG).

Follow Espargaro’s first pro race HERE

Photo Credit: Lidl-Trek, Motorsport Images

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