'We tested over the limit' - We talk Paris-Roubaix tech with Lidl-Trek's Technical Manager

Paris-Roubaix
Paris-Roubaix (Image credit: Geety: Tim de Waele)

"Expectations are high, and we want to win both editions, men and women," is the short, intent-filled answer that Lidl-Trek Technical Manager, Glen Leven, gives when asked about the team's goals for Paris-Roubaix this year. The team has enjoyed a strong Classics campaign so far, and the confident, attacking riding by leaders Mads Pedersen and Jasper Stuyven has drawn praise and resulted in a win at Gent-Wevelgem, even if lady luck didn't smile on them quite as much at Dwars door Vlaanderen.

As Technical Manager, Leven is responsible for overseeing the Lidl-Trek team of mechanics, all of the team's equipment, and any prototype parts and testing. He also has over a decade of experience as a mechanic at the top level under his belt. 

Tom Wieckowski
Tech writer

Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of. 

He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.