Trek Driftless Announces 2026 Life Time Grand Prix Team & New Riders

The Trek Driftless team is gearing up for the 2026 season of the Life Time Grand Prix series, retaining key riders Paige Onweller and Torbjørn ‘Toby’ Røed. Both athletes have demonstrated success in the series, with Onweller finishing third two years ago and Røed achieving the same result last year.

Strengthening the Roster

The team has added three new riders to its lineup: Daxton Mock, Cécile Lejeune, and Cobe Freeburn. These additions aim to bolster the team’s competitive edge across the challenging all-surface courses of the Grand Prix.

Did You Know? Haley Hunter Smith, the inaugural women’s champion of the Life Time Grand Prix in 2022, and Russell Finsterwald, a three-time top-10 finisher, have both moved to privateer support with new equipment sponsors.

Navigating Challenges and Recovery

Paige Onweller’s preparation for the 2026 season includes a return to racing after a six-month recovery period. She was injured in Arkansas when a vehicle struck her, resulting in a concussion that impacted her performance in the final events of the 2025 Grand Prix. Despite the setback, she participated in Big Sugar to maintain her standing in the series.

Onweller expressed gratitude for Trek’s continued support and drew parallels to previous successful comebacks following surgeries, expressing optimism for a strong 2026 season. She also highlighted the importance of open communication and mutual respect within the team, particularly with the addition of Cécile Lejeune.

Team Dynamics and Strategy

Torbjørn Røed, who transitioned to gravel racing in 2024, has consistently demonstrated strong performances, including a win at The Mid South and multiple podium finishes. He emphasized the significance of the Life Time Grand Prix for its competitive races and media exposure.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on team cohesion and transparency, as highlighted by Onweller, suggests a strategic shift towards maximizing collective performance. In a sport often characterized by individual effort, fostering strong internal relationships could prove crucial for sustained success.

New additions Cécile Lejeune and Daxton Mock bring valuable experience and recent successes to the team. Lejeune, previously with the CCB p/b Levine Law Group, achieved a fifth-place overall finish in the Life Time Grand Prix last year. Mock, a former Bear National Team rider, won the Valley of Tears Gravel race last year.

Cobe Freeburn, the youngest member of the group, also has a background with the Bear National Team and has achieved success in Colorado gravel racing. He will be competing in the Grand Prix series for the first time in 2026.

Looking Ahead

The Trek Driftless team is scheduled to begin its 2026 campaign at The Mid South in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on March 13. Daxton Mock is also planning to defend his title at Valley of Tears the week prior. The team’s performance throughout the season could be influenced by the dynamics between returning veterans and new additions, as well as their ability to capitalize on their individual strengths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Life Time Grand Prix series?

The Life Time Grand Prix series is a competition featuring challenging all-surface races with significant media exposure, according to Torbjørn Røed.

Who are the new riders joining the Trek Driftless team?

Daxton Mock, Cécile Lejeune, and Cobe Freeburn are the three new riders joining the Trek Driftless team for the 2026 season.

What challenges did Paige Onweller face leading up to the 2026 season?

Paige Onweller was injured in an incident involving a vehicle in Arkansas, resulting in a concussion that impacted her racing in the final events of the 2025 Grand Prix. She spent six months recovering.

What role do team dynamics play in the success of the Trek Driftless team?