In the new year, Aleix Espargaro will join the Lidl-Trek professional cycling team.

After retiring from a full-time MotoGP role, Aleix Espargaro has joined the Lidl-Trek professional cycling team.

Espargaro will not officially join the team until the first of January. When the Spaniard does link up with the Lidl-Trek team he will join them in an ambassadorial role.

According to the press release from the Lidl-Trek team, Espargaro will join the team “at some of the most prestigious events on the calendar."

This role will occur alongside Espargaro's role as a Honda Racing Corporation MotoGP Test Rider.

“I’m thrilled to join the Lidl-Trek family, which is home to some of the world’s best cyclists,” said Espargaro.

“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.”

A long-time cycling enthusiast, Espargar revealed that he retired from full-time MotoGP racing “earlier than planned” to join the Lidl-Trek team.

“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,” he said.

“I’m deeply grateful to Lidl-Trek for welcoming me to their family and supporting me. I’ll give it everything I have.”