Date: Friday, 09 August 2024
Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier’s story with Lidl-Trek dates back to 2021, when he was signed to bolster the American squad’s climbing contingent. In the close-to-four years since then, the Eritrean has proved his loyalty and commitment to the Team’s goals time and time again.
Ghebreigzabhier is the reigning Eritrean time trial champion, a feat he has accomplished three times in his career, in addition to continental and national road race titles. He excels on the climbs, but has shown many times that he has the engine needed to pull on the flat to control a breakaway or position his teammates. After a troubled couple of years, including a serious crash at the Volta a Catalunya in 2022, Amanuel was back to his best this season. His tireless work at the head of the Giro d’Italia peloton was a vital contribution to Jonathan Milan’s three stage wins and Ciclamino jersey. With two more years in a Lidl-Trek jersey on the cards, we’re sure to see even more successes coming from Amanuel.
“Last year I had to wait until the very last minute to know if I had a contract. I got my opportunity and I promised myself to exploit it full gas, from the very first moment.
Before this year, I felt that I was not able to show my whole talent. I had some bad luck, like the heavy crash I suffered in Catalunya in 2022 as well the sickness suffered in the Giro 2023 contributed to creating an unfavorable situation. I approached the new season with strong motivation and the desire to show who Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier really is. I was really pleased with how it went so far. I did good performances and the Giro, which was maybe the icing on top.”
“In Italy, I felt good everyday, I’m really satisfied with the way I rode and that I was always able to do what the Team asked me – helping or going on the attack. I went full gas everyday. That’s how I see my future. The Team knows it can count on me and, at the same time, I would like to exploit every chance to get personal results. Starting from the second part of this season. I’ll look for something special for myself in the future. Getting a top result for me means also presenting something to Team. That’s my aim.
I’m really happy for this renewal. I’ve always felt good in this Team, I’ve felt comfortable in this group. It’s really like a family for me. Continuing with Lidl-Trek was at the top of my priority.”
