Ava Holmgren, like her sister Bella, jumped from junior to the big leagues in 2024. The twins are riding for WorldTour team Lidl-Trek in their first year in the pros. In 2023, she took a silver medal at the cyclocross worlds, and followed up with some big results in 2024. She took third place in the elite race at X2O Trofee Baal – GP Sven Nys in Belgium behind ‘cross powerhouses Fem van Empel and Lucinda Brand.
Once ‘cross finished, she had a bit of a break – but not much. “Leading up to the worlds I had a bit of taper,” she said. “I also took a quick break after at home to reset and spend time with family. It was nice to be off the bike for a little bit, but honestly I was very ambitious to get back to training and get ready for the road season!”
On her ‘cross season
As far as her season, she said her biggest highlight was the third place in Baal. It was officially her first day as a Lidl-Trek rider and in a new custom national champion kit. “I raced really well, had great legs, and I felt more confident in the technical sections than previous years,” Being able to stand on the podium with my teammate Lucinda was the cherry on top.”
Ava Holmgren rings in the New Year with podium at X2O Trofee Baal
The national championships were also a highlight. She raced up a category in the elite race, with her sister in the under-23, with both of them taking home maple leaf jerseys. “It was the first race since my injury where I felt like myself again,” she says. “I could attack out of each corner, I was finding my rhythm, and it felt good to go hard.
Riding with her heroes
Joining the Lidl-Trek team was big. As one of the best WorldTour teams in the world, it took a while to get used to. “It was surreal, being teammates with my idols, it’s like living with celebrities,” she explains. “But it was very welcoming, professional, with good vibes. Initially, it was challenging to get to know everyone all at once. Lidl-Trek has three teams with many riders, and staff, so it’s not easy remembering everyone’s names. Apart from that, this group is very welcoming and makes sure that you know they can help you with whatever you need.”
A WorldTour team is definitely a step up from her former home at Stimulus-Orbea, in terms of support and gear. “We’re provided with a training bike for our home/European base. For the races, we have a choice between the Trek Emonda and the Trek Madone depending on your preference and the…
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