INEOS lose another gem - British team's major cycling transfer market overhaul including big-name signings, crucial renewals and departures
CyclingSunday, 02 August 2026 at 18:54
Netcompany INEOS continues to shape its roster for the 2027 season, with the British team emerging as one of the headline players in the transfer market. Pending official announcements, the squad is undergoing a major overhaul that blends key signings, crucial renewals, and several high-profile departures.
The latest update from cycling transfer specialist Daniel Benson points to the exit of American rider Artem Shmidt, who will head to NSN Cycling Team on a multi-year deal. The 22-year-old, seen as one of the brightest prospects in US cycling, will leave the British setup after two seasons of steady progression.
Shmidt joined INEOS from Hagens Berman Jayco and has delivered eye-catching rides this year, especially against the clock. He was seventh in the UAE Tour time trial, took his first pro win at the Classique Dunkerque, and finished ninth overall at the 4 Jours de Dunkerque. His new team should give him more freedom to hunt stage wins and lean into his strengths as a rouleur and aggressive racer.
Departures keep adding up
Shmidt won’t be the only significant loss, according to Benson. American Andrew August will also leave to join Pinarello Q36.5, while veteran climber Laurens De Plus has a deal in place with Decathlon.
Meanwhile, several riders’ futures remain unclear. Bob Jungels looks set to depart and is still searching for a team for next season, while Óscar Rodríguez has yet to receive a renewal offer, leaving his continuity in doubt.
It’s not all farewells at Netcompany INEOS. Management is also working to secure the continuity of several key riders within the project.
Numerous moves at Netcompany INEOS.
Renewals keep core together and high-calibre reinforcements
Benson indicates that Egan Bernal, Axel Laurance, Connor Swift, Sam Watson, and Brandon Rivera are set to renew their contracts, forming the backbone on which the British team plans to build its new sporting project.
On the recruitment front, Netcompany INEOS is closing in on the signings of Markel Beloki from EF Education-EasyPost, Harold Tejada from XDS Astana, and Michael Valgren, also from EF Education-EasyPost.
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They could be joined by other names still resonating in the market. Clément Champoussin has been linked with the British squad, while American Riley Sheehan also features among possible additions. Likewise, young Spanish talent Benjamín Noval is close to joining as a major bet for the future.
With so many moving pieces, Netcompany INEOS faces a decisive summer to finalise a roster that will blend experience, rising prospects, and new leaders, aiming to return to WorldTour-winning ways from 2027.
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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- B listers won’t return them to World Tour winning ways.mobk02-08-2026
- Yeah, they probably just don't have enough money to do what they really want to be able to docyclist02-08-2026
- Given what she's said before, this sounds like code for: I'm trying to convince Jonas to not race and stay at home
Rafionain-Glas02-08-2026 - That was an awesome ride by Markus. So close. Wiebes though, ain’t nobody beating her in a sprint.Pedalmasher02-08-2026
- Time is up for Ineos......
Senna196002-08-2026 - Guy could easily have been a top-end pro!
leedorney02-08-2026 - Yeah, his climbing performances are around the same level as Florian Lipowitz in an MTT... of course endurance is a different matterRafionain-Glas02-08-2026
- Andrew Feather is far from someone for anyone to hang with on rilly good hard climbs. Put his name and GCN on YouTube in a search "GCN Andrew Feather" and look at what this guy is capable of. It is insane.md197502-08-2026
- Please pay some respect to the man, it's Pogačar with a č.cgmethod02-08-2026
- Imagine riding past 1 million people over 3 weeks totally spent and explaining yourself 21 days in a row for press and then Wham...your alone in a room with no one.Psychological whiplash.Only a supremely balanced grounded human being can stay clear and true in that world.Lucky for us that human being is Tadej Pogacar Greatest of All Time.
Brucegel02-08-2026
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