Aleix Espargaró Balances Dual Careers in Motorsport and Pro Cycling

Aleix Espargaró to Make Pro Cycling Debut with Lidl-Trek at Tour of Austria, While Wildcarding for Honda in MotoGP. 

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Former MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaró is officially set to become a two-sport professional athlete. After hanging up his racing leathers, the Spanish rider has announced his pro cycling debut with UCI WorldTour team Lidl-Trek, making his first appearance at the upcoming Tour of Austria in July. 

A longtime cycling enthusiast and fitness advocate, Espargaró had often used bicycles as part of his MotoGP training regimen. Now, with more time post-retirement, he’s committing to the sport full-time and will line up alongside elite cyclists for 718 km of racing across five stages, including grueling mountain climbs on stages three and four.

“It’s time to make my pro cycling debut,” Espargaró said on social media. “It’s a dream to be part of the Lidl-Trek roster for the Tour of Austria. LET’S GO!”

Espargaró, 34, has already been involved with Lidl-Trek in an ambassadorial capacity and joined several of their training camps. Earlier this year, he tested his competitive form by finishing seventh in a 123 km amateur race, trailing the winner by just over 12 minutes, a promising sign of his cycling potential.

But before his cycling debut, Espargaró will once again don his MotoGP gear. He’s set to race as a wildcard for the factory Repsol Honda Team at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix in Assen, stepping in for the injured Luca Marini.

This will mark Espargaró’s third outing with Honda in 2024, having previously joined the team as a test rider after his MotoGP retirement. His deep technical knowledge and years of premier class experience are seen as instrumental in helping Honda’s current development phase.

“I’m really delighted to be able to help Honda HRC and work with the factory team this weekend in Assen,” Espargaró said. “Many riders dream of being in the factory Honda team. Even if it’s temporary, it’s a real surprise and pleasure.” 

“I’ve been able to build more and more in both previous weekends this year, so I hope we can start the weekend a little closer. I have good memories at Assen and it will be interesting to see how the Honda performs here. I hope Luca is recovering well and can return soon.”

Whether on two wheels powered by an engine or pedal, Aleix Espargaró is proving that life after MotoGP can be just as fast-paced, and just as inspiring.