Just under two weeks remain until the Grand Départ of the Lidl Tour of Austria in Graz. As one of the first teams to announce its roster, WorldTour outfit Lidl–Trek has confirmed a strong line-up. Alongside Tour de France stage winner Patrick Konrad and several other top riders, the squad will also feature 2020 Giro d’Italia champion Tao Geoghegan Hart.
The German team’s first line-up for the 75th Tour of Austria is certainly impressive. In addition to Tao Geoghegan Hart, who also won the overall classification of the Tour of the Alps in 2023, and Vienna native Patrick Konrad, the squad includes Hector Alvarez, Andrea Bagioli, Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier, and Bauke Mollema, a two-time Tour de France stage winner and winner of the Giro di Lombardia. “This team is incredibly strong. I am also very excited to see 27-year-old Andrea Bagioli in action. Last week he delivered an outstanding performance at the Tour de Suisse and secured an excellent third place on a stage. And of course, I consider Patrick Konrad one of Austria’s biggest hopes for success,” said Tour Director Thomas Pupp.
Patrick Konrad Keeping His Options Open
Patrick Konrad from Lower Austria is one of the most successful active riders in the WorldTour. In 2018, he finished seventh overall at the Giro d’Italia, and in 2021 he became one of the few Austrians to win a stage at the Tour de France.
At the Lidl Tour of Austria, he is regarded as one of the country’s most promising contenders. What does Patrick have to say about his ambitions?
“I’m keeping my goals for the Tour of Austria open for now. At the Tour de Suisse last week, where I actually had great legs, I unfortunately had to withdraw early due to illness. But that’s life. Fortunately, this year’s Tour of Austria is not quite as difficult as last year’s edition, although it remains very demanding. After Stage 2, which finishes at the Großglockner, we should have a first indication of the overall standings. A strong stage result would also be a realistic objective for me.”
Patrick is particularly pleased that his team’s main sponsor has now also become the title sponsor of the race:
“That is another reason why the Tour of Austria is very important for our team. We have several strong riders at the start who could also have been selected for the Tour de France. It remains to be seen how much freedom I will be given for my home tour.”
