Filippo Ganna confirms blockbuster switch to Lidl-Trek after eight years at Netcompany-Ineos

Lidl-Trek have confirmed the signing of Filippo Ganna from Netcompany-Ineos on a three-year deal running through until the end of the 2029 season. 

“I am really looking forward to next year with such a big team like Lidl-Trek. 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,” Ganna said in a Lidl-Trek statement.

The 30-year-old Italian makes the switch after eight seasons with the British team, where he has amassed 41 victories on the road, including eight stages of the Giro d’Italia and the time trial world title in 2020 and 2021. Ganna had a contract with Netcompany for 2027 but the British team preferred to let him go, apparently without any release payment. 

Ganna's moves to Lidl-Trek is one of the final big-name transfers of 2026, with only Primož Roglič still to decide if he will race in 2027. Paul Seixas is considering his long-term plans for when his contract with Decathlon CMA CGM ends in 2027.   

“After eight years with my current team, opening a new chapter is super nice and I feel great motivation for the season. 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,” Ganna said.

“Of course, the Grand Tours remain an important objective, and I look forward to supporting the team whilst taking my own chances."

This season, Ganna tasted victory in Dwars door Vlaanderen, marking his first one-day victory on Belgian soil, before adding another stage of the Giro and defending his Italian time trial title. He was also part of the winning Italian team in the mixed relay time trial event at the World Championships in Montréal. 

Ganna marks a major signing in what has been a busy transfer window for Lidl-Trek, with the Italian becoming the eighth arrival alongside Héctor Álvarez, Igor Arrieta, Felix Gall, Jordan Jegat, Jordi Meeus, Gregor Mühlberger, and Georg Zimmermann. However Giulio Ciccone opted to leave for Pinarello-Q36.5 and several other riders have retired. Andy Schleck took over as team manager, with Luca Guercilena moving on to become director of the Giro d'Italia and RCS Sport's other races.  

“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," Schleck said, when Lidl-Trek confirmed Ganna's signing. 

"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," added Schleck.

Ganna becomes the third Italian on the provisional roster for next season, joining up with track colleagues Jonathan Milan and Simone Consonni, replacing Ciccone, Andrea Bagioli and the retiring Jacopo Mosca. 

“I know Simo [Consonni] and Jonny [Milan] 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,” said Ganna. 

Ganna joins a growing list of departures from Netcompany-Ineos. American trio Andrew August, Magnus Sheffield and Artem Shmidt will depart for Pinarello, Uno-X Mobility and NSN respectively. 

Meanwhile, Ben Turner will race for Soudal Quick-Step, while Sam Welsford departs after one season for Jayco AlUla. Finally, Bob Jungels and Ben Swift will retire at the end of the season.