Lidl-Trek veteran Jacopo Mosca announces retirement - Rider to become sports director as free space could clear way for Ganna transfer
Cycling
Lidl-Trek have announced that veteran Jacopo Mosca will retire this month, bringing his iconic career to an end as he joins the team's staff as sports director from 2027. The 33-year-old Italian calls time on his career after eight seasons at WorldTour level with the team.
Joining the team in his early twenties after struggling to break into the top tier of the sport, he finishes his career with three wins and eight Grand Tour appearances. His last race will see him take on Gran Piemonte on home roads before moving to the team car from next season.
His retirement now frees up the final spot on their roster for 2027, with 29 riders confirmed for next season. The team have been linked with a surprise move for Filippo Ganna, and now have the space on their team to register the Italian should the decision be finalised.
"In 2019, I joined a very small team, but a very good one, D’Amico-UM Tools. I need to thank them, because they gave me the possibility to believe I could still be a rider and gave me a very good calendar,” Mosca said.
“I was away racing and I got a message from Josu [Larrazabal] and Adriano Baffi. They said ‘we’re looking for a guy like you for next year.’”
Mosca to become sports director
The Italian will become sports director at the team as the staffing side of the structure continues its year of change, which included Andy Schleck's new role as CEO and the departure of Luca Guercelina after 16 years with the team.
“I grew a lot with the team and I showed that as a rider I was always there to help others. I think 2020 was my best year as a rider, I had good numbers and got good results. A bad crash the following year made things difficult, but I came back at a high level. From that moment, I was always a helper and I tried to be the best helper possible.
“I was given the option of being a sports director for next year and I’m really happy to step in the car next season, even if it is going to be a big change. I’m really looking forward to it."
Mosca hopes to teach skills to the new generation
Mosca knows that cycling is evolving at a faster pace than ever, and hopes that his role as a rider can help him get through to cyclists. His main motivation is to pass the torch to the younger generation.
“I’ve seen how much cycling has evolved and I think they can trust me because I have come straight from being a rider and I was one of the guys who probably suffered the most in the bunch.
"I think, in the end, most of the time it is your head that makes a difference and gives you motivation so you can do more with your legs. I want to teach younger riders, above all, to enjoy cycling as much as possible. It’s a beautiful privilege that we have to be able to do this.”
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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