Aleix Espargaro is set to become a professional sportsman in his second sport.
The former MotoGP rider has become a professional cyclist and announced his debut race.
Espargaro has been a passionate cyclist for a long time and used it in training to keep him sharp for MotoGP.
But now retired from racing motorcycles, he is increasing his commitment to bicycles by participating in professional races.
He joins the WorldTour team Lidl-Trek and will make his debut on the Austrian tour next month.
Espargaro was already involved in the cycling team in the role of ambassador and was involved in training camps.
The tour in Austria in July was a 718km race in five stages. On the third stage, you climb a mountain of almost 3,000m. The fourth stage is an even bigger rise.
Espargaro raced as a cyclist this year, finishing seventh in the 123km race.
“It’s time for my professional cycling debut,” he announced.
“Being part of the Lidl-Trek roster for a tour of Austria is a dream. Let’s go!”
Aleix Espargaro competes for Honda in MotoGP
But first, Espargaro will debut as a wild card for the MotoGP factory Honda team.
He will race this weekend in place of the injured Luca Marini.
Following his retirement as a racer, Espargaro joined them as a test rider, making his racing debut at Honda.
The behind-the-scenes Espargaro experience is a key part of Honda’s revival.
Racing their bikes will give him invaluable time and help him further develop the project.