‘Want to Keep Focusing on the Process’: Says 17-Year-Old Youngest Winner of Junior Men’s Road Race, Set to Turn Pro With World Champion Team

In the high stakes of professional cycling, there exists a constant race to secure a deal with budding athletes. The 17-year-old Danish dynamo, Albert Withen Philipsen has taken the peloton by storm with his new partnership. It is Lidl-Trek, the American cycling team, who fought through all the battles and emerged victorious in securing a deal with the promising cyclist. 

Having an already impressive professional career, Philipsen’s journey is about to witness a new journey redefining his future in the landscape of the sport. The cyclist’s remarkable achievements, including his victory in junior road race and junior MTB cross-country, made him a sought-after gem in the world of cycling. 

Lidl-Trek’s winning bid to collaborate with Philipsen

Philipsen’s cycling prowess earned him the title of ‘wunderkind’, and at the tender age of 16, the cyclist had already etched his name in the annals of junior cycling history. He has taken part in the ‘super worlds’ in Glasgow and has earned the title of the youngest cyclist to win the junior men’s road race. Beyond the road, Philipsen extended his prowess by clinching the junior MTB cross-country world title. 

Many WorldTour teams were vying for the commitment of the young cyclist. However, Lidl-Trek emerged out to be victorious in securing his signature and emerged to be the chosen destination for the cyclist to kickstart his professional career in 2025. 

The Cycling News caught Philipsen candidly expressing his opinion about his new collaboration and how he considers himself lucky to be a part of the team, “I want to keep focusing on the process, and work on some of my weak points. For me that will be my general experience and tactical skills. I’m still trying to figure out which races I will focus on in the future. Right now I’m a bit ‘in-between’ as a rider type, so I hope to become the best all-rounder in the world.” His exceptional versatility across varied cycling disciplines sets the stage for his exciting entry in partnership with the American team. 

A multidisciplinary approach reigns supreme

Philipsen decided to join Lidl-Trek since this commitment will land him support in all three fields of road cycling, mountain biking, and cyclocross. Embarking on a multi-disciplinary approach, this strategic alignment will put to use the team’s capabilities and the cyclist’s aspirations, channeling a balanced approach in fulfilling shared ambitions.

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In an interview with Global Cycling Network, Lidl-Trek team boss Luca Guercilena shared his gratitude, “Attracting Albert to join Lidl-Trek when so many teams were chasing his signature is a testament to the structure we have built here. A special thanks must go to Markel Irizar [talent scout] and Josu Larrazabal [Head of Performance], whose passion for working with young riders has made Lidl-Trek a great prospect for developing the very best talent.” On the other hand, Philipsen runs high on motivation to be able to receive the guidance of Mattias Skjelmose and Mads Pedersen. 

The upcoming winter training sessions will pave the way for Albert Withen Philipsen to make his debut in the Lidl-Trek team. He envisions himself as an all-rounder and the American team holds the promise of endowing him with a flourishing career and numerous accomplishments in the years to come. 

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