Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Back to news and opinion index page for links to archived stories | Commentary | Our YouTube page
2024 Tour de France | 2024 Giro d'Italia
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. - Lao Tzu
Bill & Carol McGann's book The Story of the Tour de France, Vol 1: 1903 - 1975 is available in print, Kindle eBook & audiobook versions. To get your copy, just click on the Amazon link on the right.
Upcoming racing:
- November 16: Trofee Hamme-Flandriencross
- December 14: World Cup Namur
- December 23: Superprestige Heusden-Zolder
- December 26: World Cup Gavere
- December 29: Trofee Loenhout-Azencross
- December 30: Superprestige Diegem
- January 1: GP Sven Nys
Latest completed racing:
- November 1: Trofee Oudenaarde-Koppenbergcross
- October 26: Superprestige Overijse-Vlaamse Druivencross
- October 14 - 19: Tour of Guangxi
- October 14 - 19: Tour of Holland
- October 19: Veneto Classic
- October 19: Japan Cup
- October 19: Chrono des Nations
- October 15: Giro del Veneto
- October 12: Paris-Tours
Content continues below the ads
Here's the team's annoucnement:
Lidl-Trek is pleased to welcome Bernie Eisel to the Team, where he will take on the role of Sport Director. Eisel brings with him nearly two decades of experience as a professional rider, followed by four years in a directing role with Red Bull–Bora-Hansgrohe.
Bernard Eisel leading the peloton at the 2013 Tour Down Under. Sirotti photo
During his racing career, Eisel made his mark as one of the peloton’s most respected riders. In addition to helping Mark Cavendish to many sprint wins, Eisel’s own palmarès boasts numerous top results, including victory at Gent–Wevelgem. As his career evolved, Eisel became a trusted road captain, serving as the vital link between the team car and the riders, a role that laid the foundation for his transition to the team car himself as a Sport Director.
“I was attracted to Lidl-Trek because of what the Team has achieved in the past few years and the progress it continues to make,” said Bernie Eisel. “It’s attracting a lot of young talent and has excellent sprint groups. From my time as a commentator, watching Milan sprinting or watching Mads Pedersen ‘doing a Mads Pedersen’ are some of the best things you can watch in modern cycling. These are the small details that really convinced me.
Content continues below the ads
“I have a lot of friends already in the Team — people I’ve worked with before, and riders I know from my time as both a teammate and a DS. It was a no-brainer. The biggest reason was to join Lidl-Trek was to work again with Luca [Guercilena, General Manager]. He was my first professional coach when I joined Mapei in 2001, so we go back a long, long time.
“I’m a bit nervous, I have to admit, but also curious for this new chapter in my life. At the same time, I’m very motivated to continue this progress and be part of the Lidl-Trek family. Firstly, I want to understand how the team works and get to know the people I don’t already know, to build a strong group together — which is, I think, the key reason Lidl-Trek has been so successful. I hope I can contribute to that and help us keep moving up the ladder.”
Content continues below the ads
Here’s the team’s news:
Allan Peiper is making his comeback on the WorldTour stage: the experienced Australian takes on the role of Strategic Advisor within the Sports Department of Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe.
Allan brings not only a wealth of knowledge and experience, but also a strong sense of innovation and a genuine winning mindset – qualities that have also defined his personal battle against cancer.
Fabio Baldato (left) and Allan Peiper at the 2014 Tour Down Under. Sirotti photo
In his new role, Allan Peiper will work closely with Chief of Sports Zak Dempster and the team’s various performance units to further refine the strategic direction of Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe and strengthen its sporting philosophy.
Most recently, Allan was part of UAE Team Emirates before taking a break from professional cycling to focus on his recovery. Now, he returns to contribute his strategic expertise and extensive experience, helping the team translate its vision into a clear sporting strategy and actionable plans.
Zak Dempster, Chief of Sports at Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe: “Allan brings a unique combination of experience, strategic thinking and humanity. Throughout his career, he has proven his ability to shape teams and inspire riders. His external perspective will be a tremendous asset to our sports department.”
Allan Peiper: “I’m very excited to be part of this project. Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe has made impressive progress in recent years, and I see great potential to strengthen this structure even further. It’s about living a clear sporting vision and turning it into daily performance – that’s what drives me.”
Back to news and opinion index page for links to archived stories | Commentary