Astana are looking for yet another Italian classics rider - This time, Lidl-Trek will lose one of its own

Lidl-Trek have a stacked team this year, however maintaining all of their talent is a hard task. Some riders look for more opportunities, and amongst them is Andrea Bagioli who is in contract year and is reportedly joining XDS Astana Team next year.

Bagioli turned pro in 2019 with Team Colpack, and joined the Quick-Step structure the following year. He had the best year of his career in 2023, winning the Drôme Classic and Gran Piemonte. Despite being a puncheur and classics specialist, his climbing abilities were proven at Il Lombardia where he finished second - winning a sprint including climbers such as Primoz Roglic, Carlos Rodríguez and the Yates brothers. Only Tadej Pogacar beat him in the Italian monument.

The following year he joined the German team, being given a leading role at times in the many hilly races. However in his two-and-a-half seasons, he hasn't been able to have a great impact in the team, failing to add any win to his palmarès.

In 2025 he finished sixth at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, but was unable to take other major results that would grand him a stronger position in the team. With the entry of Lidl and the signing of new leaders over the past few seasons, Bagioli is no longer in a strong position, and according to Ciro Scognamiglio of Gazzetta dello Sport, is likely to depart the team towards Astana.

Astana is a Kazakh team, however based in Italy and with several likeminded riders already present. The likes of Christian Scaroni, Diego Ulissi and Simone Velasco are only some of his compatriots, who share a similar skillset with specialty on the hilly days.

The team has found success in its formula of chasing UCI points, but has continued in 2026, providing its riders with varied calendars and frequent opportunities - both in smaller races where wins can be taken, and bigger races where the biggest competitors are present.

Lidl-Trek is also having the likes of Jakob Söderqvist, Edward Theuns and Simone Consonni in contract year, important men for the team's current and future ambitions in the flat races and cobbled classics.

Aside from them is Giulio Ciccone, who has recently been rumoured to be a potential signing for UAE Team Emirates - XRG. With Jacopo Mosca also ending his current contract, the team risk losing a great part of its Italian block.