INEOS confirm latest signing after Ganna's shock exit - Former Vuelta a Espana stage winner and experienced climber signs three year deal
Cycling
Netcompany INEOS have announced their latest signing following the shock departure of Filippo Ganna, signing French climber Clément Champoussin on a three-year deal. The 28-year-old joins from XDS Astana.
A former Vuelta a Espana stage winner who also took top ten finishes at WorldTour stage races such as Paris-Nice and Itzulia Basque Country, the team hope his experience can add to their ranks.
“Clément brings significant experience and another dimension to the group. He's a solid, strong and consistent climber who has shown he can perform at the highest level," Head of Racing Geraint Thomas said.
“He'll add valuable depth to our squad, particularly in the mountains, and give us more options across stage races, so we're really pleased to have him join us.”
Clement Champoussin
Champoussin 'thrilled' to join INEOS
Champoussin expressed his delight at joining the British team: “I'm thrilled to be joining Netcompany INEOS for this new chapter in my career.
“I'm looking forward to working with my new teammates, continuing to develop as a rider and contributing to the team's ambitions. I can't wait to start this new adventure, pull on the jersey and give everything I have in my new colours.”
Meanwhile, one of the team's most decorated and experienced riders in Filippo Ganna has left to join Lidl-Trek. Confirmed on Tuesday, the Italian leaves one year before his current contract was due to end.
Ganna's exit, along with Egan Bernal ending his season at the Tour de France and admitting uncertainty about his future in the support, symbol a major shift within INEOS's core.
Read also
Ganna exit symbolises worrying transfer market
With Ganna being a fixture for the team at both Grand Tours and classics, his departure means that nine riders have officially left the team ahead of 2027 and only four replacements have been confirmed.
With a huge haul of UCI points now leaving their ranks in the form of Ganna, Magnus Sheffield, Andrew August, Sam Welsford and Ben Turner, the team also lose experienced road captains such as Ben Swift and Bob Jungels to retirement.
Seven rider's 2027 contracts have not yet been confirmed, while some will stay with the team, it's likely that at least one more rider could also depart. However, to signal just how large a hole has been left by their confirmed exits; if all seven riders were to renew and remain at the team, INEOS would still have just 24 riders and seven free slots on their roster as things stand.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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