OFFICIAL: Filippo Ganna signs for Lidl-Trek in major transfer market bombshell and blow for INEOS
Cycling
Filippo Ganna has officially signed for Lidl-Trek in one of the biggest transfers of the season, joining on a three-year deal until 2029. After eight seasons at INEOS, the Italian leaves the British team despite having one more year on his previous deal.
The former time trial world champion has been heavily linked with a surprise move to Lidl-Trek, and becomes their eighth signing for the 2027 season, joining big names such as Felix Gall, Igor Arrieta, Jordi Meeus and Jordan Jegat at the German team.
For Ganna, he declared his pride in joining Lidl-Trek as he announced that Grand Tours and classics will be a major part of his focus in 2027.
“I am really looking forward to next year with such a big team like Lidl-Trek," Ganna said in an announcement.
"I am super proud to join and I really can't wait for the first training camp and to start the season in the best way possible. After eight years with my current team, opening a new chapter is super nice and I feel great motivation for the season."
Filippo Ganna at the 2026 Tour de France
Ganna to target classics and Grand Tours with new team
He added: "I have big goals I hope to achieve with Lidl-Trek, particularly in the Classics – with the team we will have, nothing is out of reach. Of course, the Grand Tours remain an important objective, and I look forward to supporting the team whilst taking my own chances."
He joins Italian track teammates Jonathan Milan and Simone Consonni in the team's ranks as they build a formidable roster for 2027. Ganna credited the pair as a big part in his decision to join the team.
“I know Simo and Jonny from riding together on the track. With Simo, it’s nice to be back together in the same team after many years. With Jonny, it will be great to work with him as he is a super nice guy.
"I also train with Matteo; he really motivates me when the days are really tough. Mads is number one for the team and I hope to be a good shoulder for him and also the other way round, I know he will be a good supporter for me.”
For the team, the Dwars door Vlaanderan winner brings experience and versatility as well as a time trial pedigree that has seen him wear the rainbow jersey.
Andy Schleck reacts to Ganna signing
“Filippo is an exceptional talent and a rider who has consistently proven himself at the very highest level of our sport," CEO Andy Schleck said.
"His achievements speak for themselves, but what really excites us is the range of opportunities he brings to the team. From time trials and the Classics to Grand Tours, there are very few riders in the peloton with his combination of power, experience and versatility."
Schleck points to the team's strategy for the future in sealing a deal for the 30-year-old. He added: “We believe Filippo still has a lot to achieve in his career, and we want to give him the environment and support to continue pushing his limits.
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"He is a rider who can win some of the biggest races in the world, but also make a huge difference to the success of his teammates. We have a clear plan for the future, and Filippo is a key part of turning that plan into a reality. We’re really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Ganna leaves INEOS after signing for the British team in 2019. He took 41 victories over the course of his time with the team, including eight stages at the Giro d'Italia and two Vuelta a Espana wins.
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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