'A top secret revealed,' Lidl-Trek jokingly confirms two widely known top transfers

Gall and Mühlberger had just finished a fantastic Giro d'Italia when various media outlets reported that the duo was switching teams. Decathlon CMA CGM is thus losing two key riders who put on a spectacular show in both the Giro and the Vuelta a España.

The 28-year-old Gall took an impressive leap forward in 2026. The climber had already finished fifth in the Tour de France last year, where he had also won a stage back in 2023. He also demonstrated his potential in other stage races, but it really came to the fore with two podium finishes in the Giro and the Vuelta (second and third).

Mühlberger played a crucial role in Gall’s first two podium finishes in a Grand Tour. The 32-year-old Austrian had always been a respected climber, but in 2026 he emerged as a top domestique capable of breaking up an entire group of favorites. He also won the Tour of Austria (including two stages) and was in ninth place in the Vuelta when he was forced to withdraw.

At Lidl-Trek, Gall and Mühlberger will fill the same roles as they did at Decathlon CMA CGM, the team where everything will, of course, revolve around Paul Seixas. Gall has been with the French team since 2022, while Mühlberger will have spent only one season there. He joined from Movistar last winter.

Gall has a history with Team DSM, while Mühlberger comes from the ranks of BORA-hansgrohe. Together, they now aim to bolster Lidl-Trek’s general classification ambitions. The team already signed a major team leader in Juan Ayuso last year, and Mattias Skjelmose is also under contract. Behind them, however, the depth is lacking for such a large team with such a big budget.

Gall signed a three-season contract, while Mühlberger signed a two-year deal. Team manager Andy Schleck is pleased with Mühlberger’s “experience, loyalty, and dedication,” and as for Gall, the Luxembourger believes they can draw even more out of his potential. “In 2026, Felix proved he belongs among the best. But we believe there’s much more to come, and we want to push those limits.”

"With Lidl-Trek, a new chapter in my career is beginning," Gall said of his transfer. "After some amazing years and all the successes at Decathlon, it's now time for the logical next step. Lidl-Trek has high standards, and they align perfectly with my own goals. I want to continue developing as much as possible, and I’m very motivated for this adventure.”

At Lidl-Trek, Mühlberger will once again primarily serve as a domestique, but may also get his own chances if they arise. “A little dream has come true,” said the older of the two. “The chance to ride for Lidl-Trek is wonderful news and a milestone in my cycling career. I’ve been doing this for ten years now, and I’d like to contribute to this team in the coming years.”

Everyone was happy, even though the double transfer had already been known for several months in the usually reliable rumor mill. “A top secret revealed,” Lidl-Trek jokingly added.