‘Felix Gall and Mühlberger to Lidl-Trek’ — What now for Skjelmose and Ciccone at GC heavy team?

Felix Gall recently claimed an excellent podium place in the Giro d’Italia. The Austrian, whose contract is running out, has now attracted extra interest. La Gazzetta now reports that this could well be his final season with Decathlon CMA CGM. Lidl-Trek would be interested in the 28-year-old climber, and Gall himself also appears open to a move. His compatriot Gregor Mühlberger is reportedly set for the same transfer.

Gall has long been regarded as an excellent climber. He won a Tour de France stage in 2023 and has already finished inside the top ten of a Grand Tour three times. In 2025, the Austrian was even fifth in the Tour. The Decathlon CMA CGM rider continued that strong line in this Giro, where only Jonas Vingegaard made a bigger impression uphill.

Ciro Scognamiglio, the well-known transfer journalist at La Gazzetta, is even reporting that Lidl-Trek is interested in signing the 28-year-old GC rider. The team recently added two GC men in Juan Ayuso and Derek Gee-West, but would still like to add Gall to that list. With Giulio Ciccone and Mattias Skjelmose already in the squad, however, there would be a squeeze for places.

Lidl-Trek is reportedly very active on the transfer market anyway, after rumours also emerged a few days ago about a possible move for sprinter Jordi Meeus. The German team has had a difficult year so far and seems determined to change that next season. The arrival of world-class riders such as Meeus and Gall would certainly be a step in the right direction.

On Monday evening, Belgian newspaper HLN added another chapter to the transfer rumour. Felix Gall has reportedly already made his decision about moving to Lidl-Trek. His compatriot Gregor Mühlberger, who also rode a strong Giro, is also on the way to the German-American team. What then happens to Mattias Skjelmose and Giulio Ciccone is an interesting question.

Both climbers still have long contracts and sizeable salaries, but they may be able to find a way out. Lidl-Trek changed from American to German majority ownership last year. The next step in that process is to change the address and name of the paying agent. That could make it easier for Ciccone, Skjelmose and possibly other unhappy riders to get out of their contracts. The UCI would still have to give the green light.