Big problems at Netcompany INEOS as the British team lose Filippo Ganna and Sam Welsford. What is the plan for 2027?

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 21:15

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Filippo Ganna is not the only big name walking out of Netcompany INEOS before his contract runs out. Sam Welsford has also ended his deal with the British team prematurely. The team once great team are in what can only be called a chaotic situation heading towards 2027. Two climbers are coming in, but the holes being left behind are much harder to fill.

Ganna's move to Lidl-Trek was confirmed on Tuesday. The British team wished the 30-year-old after eight years together, but Ganna's departure leaves many questions. Mainly, what's the plan now?

Read more below the photo!

Ganna broke his Netcompany INEOS contract in favour of Lidl-Trek

Three riders out in a week and a half

Netcompany INEOS have been the headliners of a busy stretch of the transfer market. Over the past ten days, several moves that had been rumoured for months were finally confirmed in quick succession as the season draws to a close.

In the space of a week and a half, three riders left the team. Magnus Sheffield has moved to Uno-X Mobility, where he becomes the Norwegian team's first-ever American rider.

INEOS running low on sprinters and classics specialists

Ganna and Welsford, meanwhile, both broke their ongoing contracts. Welsford has signed with Team Jayco AlUla, while Ganna joins a Lidl-Trek squad that has brought in several big names this winter.

With Ben Turner also leaving, Welsford's exit means the team loses its last remaining sprinter. Ganna's departure leaves a massive hole in the team's aspirations in the time trials and the classics.

Tejada and Beloki strengthen the climbing block

There is some incoming business. Netcompany INEOS have confirmed the signings of Harold Tejada and Markel Beloki, two riders who had been heavily linked to the team.

Both reinforce the climber group, but neither addresses the gaps left in the sprints and against the clock. Lidl-Trek did not come through the week unscathed either.

Giulio Ciccone, one of their leaders, ended his contract three years early. Ciccone's exit was what opened the door for Ganna. The Italian has joined Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team on a three-year deal.

Read more below the photo!

Giulio Ciccone is leaving Lidl-Trek, despite having a contract through the end of 2029.

Jayco AlUla and Pinarello Q36.5 keep shopping

Pinarello Q36.5 have also confirmed the arrivals of Astana's Davide Ballerini, who was reportedly of interest to Visma, and Ethan Hayter of Soudal Quick-Step, the reigning British time trial national champion.

Besides Welsford, Team Jayco AlUla have added three more riders to fill out their 2027 roster:

Alessandro Fancellu (MBH Bank)
Ugo Fabries (UAE's development team)
Olyver Bleddyn, a track specialist now set for a full-time WorldTour place

INEOS banking on Spanish sensation Noval

Whether Netcompany INEOS have a plan or not for 2027, they are certainly investing in the future. They have already secured the services of Spanish sensation Benjamin Noval.

After important wins at the 2026 World and European Championships at junior level, Noval's star is only rising. The question for the future is what sort of team can INEOS build around Noval?

Based on the recent transfer news, it doesn't look great for the British squad.

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David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor

David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.

David Bavin-Hobbs | LinkedIn | Email

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Big problems at Netcompany INEOS as the British team lose Filippo Ganna and Sam Welsford. What is the plan for 2027?

Follow IDL Pro Cycling on Google

Three riders out in a week and a half

Read also

INEOS running low on sprinters and classics specialists

Read also

Tejada and Beloki strengthen the climbing block

Jayco AlUla and Pinarello Q36.5 keep shopping

INEOS banking on Spanish sensation Noval

Read also

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