Bauke Mollema is ready to start the Tour of Spain with the Lidl-Trek team. The Dutch cyclist, who didn’t receive clearance to compete in the Tour de France, is gearing up for his fifth participation in the Vuelta, which kicks off in Barcelona.
Antwan Tolhoek, although he had aspirations to participate in the Spanish race, was not selected to join the team.
Tolhoek was sidelined for months this season due to knee tendinitis. He made his return at the Critérium du Dauphiné, but still encountered several issues. He then completed the Tour of Poland and the Arctic Race of Norway. During the Tour of Poland, he expressed his intention to participate in the Vuelta a España. “Of course, I would like to go to the Vuelta, that’s definitely a goal for me. But if you’re not in good shape, there’s no point going there and you don’t need to go,” stated the cyclist.
Lidl-Trek theoretically won’t have a general classification leader in the Vuelta a España. However, the team will bring strong climbers, including Bauke Mollema, such as Juan Pedro López, Kenny Elissonde, and Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier. Julien Bernard, Jacopo Mosca, Otto Vergaerde, and Edward Theuns are also part of the lineup.
Lidl Trek for Vuelta a España 2023:
Juan Pedro LÓPEZ
Bauke MOLLEMA
Edward THEUNS
Kenny ELISSONDE
Amanuel GHEBREIGZABHERE
Jacob MOSCA
Otto VERGAERDE
Julian BERNARD