MotoGP veteran Aleix Espargaro admits he retired from racing early to focus on career change

Aleix Espargaro will still be racing on two wheels in 2025 - just without an engine.

The veteran rider, who started 255 MotoGP races during a 20 year career that saw him ride for Ducati, Suzuki and then spearhead Aprilia's revival from backmarkers to championship challengers has already signed-up to be Honda's test rider in 2025 - but will double up the role with riding for professional cycling team Lidl-Trek. And the Spaniard revealed that he made the decision to step away early from full-time motorcycle racing to focus on his other love, saying: "Cycling has been a passion of mine for years, and I decided to step away from MotoGP earlier than planned to join a program which aligns so well with my passion."

Espargaro will serve as a Lidl-Trek ambassador, joining the team at some of the most prestigious events on the calendar whilst promoting the sport to a wide audience - and he revealed that it was an injury which prevented him from running that saw the 35-year-old discover his love of cycling. He continued: "After a back injury forced me to give up running I turned to cycling for recovery and training. Over time, it became more than just preparation — it became my passion. Living in Andorra, I made friendships with many pro cyclists, which inspired me to train at a higher level.

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"I’m thrilled to join the Lidl-Trek family, which is home to some of the world’s best cyclists. I’m excited to learn from some of the best cyclists and staff in the sport, push my limits, and share this special journey with fans.” He will join a Lidl-Trek squad that is packed with talent including Brit Tao Geoghegan Hart who won the 2020 Giro d'Italia.

“Working with Aleix will be incredibly rewarding for us, and especially for our young riders,” said Lidl-Trek General Manager Luca Guercilena. “We know he is a strong, passionate cyclist, but he also brings different experiences and perspectives to the Team. He can help our younger athletes understand and handle the pressures that come with top level competition.”

Espargaro has been replaced as Aprilia's lead rider by world champion Jorge Martin, who quit Ducati after being overlooked for their factory team in favour of eight time champion Marc Marquez. His Lidl-Trek commitments will go alongside a new testing role Honda's struggling MotoGP programme that will also see him make wildcard appearances in the championship.