Netcompany continue major rebuild for 2027 after Ganna exit with four new signings

24 hours after wishing Filippo Ganna every success for his transfer to Lidl-Trek, Netcompany Ineos have announced the signing of Joe Blackmore, James Shaw and Clément Champoussin as they reveal more of their 2027 roster.

A day later, the British team confirmed a fourth new arrival, with American Riley Sheehan signing a two-year deal. The 26-year-old, who made his breakthrough by winning Paris-Tours in 2023, will strengthen the team's Classics group and add further versatility to the roster.

Last week, Netcompany announced the arrival of Harold Tejada from XDS Astana and Markel Beloki from EF Education-EasyPost. Junior world champion Benjamín Noval will also join the team in 2027 as he fast tracks his career and skips the Under 23 ranks.

The team has lost Ganna to Lidl-Trek and Victor Langellotti to XDS Astana, while Magnus Sheffield moved to Uno-X Mobility, Andrew August to Pinarello-Q36.5, Artem Shmidt to NSN, Ben Turner to Soudal Quick-Step and sprinter Sam Welsford to Jayco AlUla. 

Several other riders are expected to extend their contracts but Ben Swift and Bob Jungels have retired, with Swift set to be a sports director with the team in 2027. Egan Bernal has taken time away from racing before he decides his future in the sport.

Daniel Benson has revealed on his Substack that Simon Watts, who built the Netcompany development team, is leaving the team along with a key coach who worked with Josh Tarling and Oscar Onley. 

Shaw, Blackmore and Champoussin are not direct replacements for riders leaving but help strengthen the Netcompany core.

Champoussin joins the growing French group in the team, funded in part by sponsorship from TotalEnergies, alongside Dorian Godon and Kévin Vauquelin. The 28-year-old won a stage at the 2021 Vuelta a España and has finished in the top ten at Paris–Nice and Itzulia Basque Country.

Shaw and Blackmore replace some of the British riders who have retired and moved on.

23-year-old Blackmore won the Tour de l’Avenir and Under 23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2024. He joined Israel-Premier Tech in May of 2024 and rode a full Classics campaign and Tour de France in 2025. Knee pain disrupted his 2026 season and he underwent surgery in May. He has not raced since mid-August.

"I’m extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to spend the next three years of my career with Netcompany Ineos. It’s been a tough 2026 for me with injuries, but it’s made me even more motivated to reach my full potential," Blackmore said. 

30-year-old Shaw joins Netcompany after five seasons at EF. He has yet to win a race but is a consistent stage racer.

"As a kid, this was the team that inspired me. I grew up looking up to riders like Geraint Thomas, so to now have the opportunity to pull on the jersey and become part of a team I've admired for so long is a dream come true," Shaw said.

Geraint Thomas is now Shaw's Director of Racing and is involved in rider recruitment.

"Joe is a rider we’ve followed closely and someone we believe has significant potential. He has already shown what he is capable of across different types of racing, but importantly we believe there is still a lot more to come," Thomas said of Blackmore.

"James is a real fighter. He’s shown significant mental toughness throughout his career and has worked incredibly hard to establish himself at the highest level."

Thomas also highlighted Sheehan's versatility and potential to contribute throughout the racing calendar.

"Riley is an exciting rider. He's fast, technically very skilled and has the ability to perform across a range of terrain," Thomas said.

"We see him being a great addition to our Classics group, but he's also a rider who can contribute right across the calendar. He brings plenty of versatility to the team, and we're looking forward to helping him continue to develop."