What does Mads Pedersen think of Filippo Ganna's Lidl-Trek transfer? - Former INEOS rider targets classics after surprise move
Cycling
Mads Pedersen sees Filippo Ganna's Lidl-Trek arrival as an asset to their classics line-up. While admitting that the Italian's presence could impact his chances, the Danish versatile sprinter sees scenarios where it helps him win more races.
Time trial specialist Ganna has made waves in one-day races over recent seasons, winning Dwars door Vlaanderen this season. Joining in a surprise move from Netcompany INEOS, Ganna stated his intentions to compete in the spring classics as a major motivation in joining the team.
News of his arrival sparked speculation around how the rider would fit into the team's line-up in these races, with Mads Pedersen and at time Jonathan Milan leading their lines in major goals.
Pedersen himself doesn't see it that way, noting that he's the kind of rider that competes in the finale of races - something that can work to the advantage of both him and the Dane in a complex race situation in 2027.
Can Ganna’s cornering skills overcome Remco Evenepoel in Montréal?
Pedersen reacts to Ganna signing
"I think it's really cool. He's the kind of rider who can be there in the finales," Pedersen told the Long Distance Podcast.
"I think he'll complement me well in races. He knows that if we get into a finale and it comes down to a sprint, he knows who the sprinter is."
With Ganna also a competent reduced bunch sprinter, Pedersen sees opportunities to relax and put the onus on other teams to work should a rider like Ganna escape in an attack. Although admitting it won't always result in a win for him, he sees the alternative as being equally possible.
"it certainly won't hurt me"
"But it certainly won't hurt me if we're in a finale and he has a rider up the road, for example. That means I can relax a bit more. Sometimes I'll lose because of that, and other times I'll definitely win because of it.
"I'm pretty sure that's one of the big reasons why he signed with the team, to focus on the Classics. "I see it as a huge advantage that they [Lidl-Trek] have signed Ganna."
Read also
Ganna and Jordi Meeus are among the team's potential classics specialists in the door this winter in a transfer window that has seen no less than eight riders handed a deal for 2027.
However, the majority of the other signings seem aimed towards stage racing and Grand Tours, with Felix Gall, Jordan Jegat and Igor Arrieta among the big name acquisitions.
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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