Picnic PostNL sign Gaia Realini as they continue rebuild men's and women's roster for 2027

The Picnic PostNL continue adding riders to their men's and women's roster as they rebuild for the 2027 season, with Italian climber Gaia Realini joining the women's team.

Both the men's and women's teams were absent from the UCI's initial list of 2027 WorldTour licence applicants on October 15 deadline but the Dutch team has insisted they will work to complete the registration process which considers sporting and economic criteria.

In the last few days French sprinter Paul Penhoët, Belgian track specialist Jules Hesters, Jochem Kerckhaert, Bert Bolle and Louka Lesueur are among the latest riders to confirm their arrival at Picnic via social media, bringing the number of new riders to 12, including promotions from the Picnic development team.

The women's team have lost Rachele Barbieri to SD Worx-Protime and Pfeiffer Georgi to UAE Team L'IMAD. So far, Realini is their only new signing confirmed, with nine riders staying on after 2026. 

"After four years with Lidl-Trek, it’s time to start a new chapter," Realini wrote on social media.

"I’m happy to announce that I will join Team Picnic PostNL for next season, a team that has believed in me from the very beginning and our first conversations."

Realini and Lidl-Trek agreed to part ways a few weeks ago after a difficult two seasons for the Italian pure climber.

In 2023 she won a stage and finished on the podium at the Vuelta Femenina and then was third overall in the Giro d'Italia. She was fifth overall in the 2024 Tour de France Femmes but raced a reduced programme in 2025 and 2026, a fractured elbow in early 2025, disrupting her plans and undermining her confidence, according to her coach Francesco Masciarelli.

Realini is still only 25 and so is keen to reboot and restart her career with Picnic in 2027.

"New colours, new goals, and plenty of motivation to give my best. Ready for this new adventure!" she said.