Tao Geoghegan Hart, who won the Giro d’Italia in 2020, is setting his sights on a steady return to competitive racing in 2025. Unlike many of his WorldTour counterparts, the 29-year-old Lidl-Trek rider is taking a measured approach to the new season, preferring to focus on immediate goals rather than grandiose ambitions.
Geoghegan Hart’s career has had its share of ups and downs, most recently in 2023, when he suffered a broken leg after a high-speed crash at the Giro d’Italia, a setback that curtailed his promising comeback. Before the injury, he had claimed victory at the Tour of the Alps, showing signs that he could contend for the Giro GC once again. Reflecting on his injury, he admitted that he was confident about his chances in the Giro before the crash.
However, the London-born cyclist is grounded in his expectations and understands that returning to his best will take time. While he acknowledges the desire to compete in major races again, his immediate focus is on gradually regaining his competitiveness, starting with smaller events.
“When I was younger, a manager once told me there are three types of riders: those who win races, those learning to win, and those who help others win,” Geoghegan Hart shared. “At this stage in my career, I want to be the rider who gets results. The day I broke my leg, I was certain I would fight for the GC at a Grand Tour, and that’s what drives me. I want to get back to that level, but first, I need to be competitive, even in smaller races.”
He emphasized that his current goal is to lead his team and help build a strong group dynamic, aiming to win races or at least give it his best effort.
Geoghegan Hart joined Lidl-Trek in August 2023 after a seven-year tenure at Ineos, signing a three-year deal with his new team. While he had initially planned to race the 2024 Tour de France, illness altered those plans. Now, instead of making sweeping statements about future goals, Geoghegan Hart is focusing on the immediate future, beginning with the Volta ao Algarve in February, his first race of the season.
“I don’t want to focus on long-term goals right now,” he explained. “The first part of the season is my priority. With so many announcements around this time of year, it feels illogical to set sights on big goals. After my return last year, we were already talking about the Tour before I’d even ridden my bike. It was motivating at the time, but now I see the value in taking a step-by-step approach to getting back to my best.”
As he embarks on this new chapter with Lidl-Trek, Geoghegan Hart’s ambition is not only to secure victories but also to be a positive influence within his team. He hopes to contribute both on and off the bike, leading the team and fostering a collaborative environment.
“I’d love to get some wins, but for me, it’s about making a meaningful contribution,” he said. “I want to look back at the end of the season and feel like I’ve fulfilled my purpose—leading the team, helping my teammates, and contributing in every way I can.”
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