Lidl-Trek announces 'homecoming' arrival of Filippo Ganna: Italian signs 3-Year contract

Earlier this month, Ganna was already linked to a transfer to Lidl-Trek. At the time, he remained characteristically ice-cold about it, but the news has since been made public. This means that the 30-year-old giant from Verbania is opting for a new adventure after no fewer than eight years with Netcompany INEOS.

"I'm really looking forward to next year with a team as big as Lidl-Trek," he says on his new team's website. "I'm incredibly proud to be joining them, and I really can't wait for the first training camp and to start the season off as strong as possible. After eight years with my current team, it’s wonderful to start a new chapter, and I feel incredibly motivated for the season.”

At Lidl-Trek, Ganna will be a welcome addition to the classics squad. He hopes that with this top-tier team, he’ll finally be able to take the next step there as well. “I have big goals I hope to achieve with Lidl-Trek, especially in the classics—with the team we have, nothing is out of reach. Of course, the Grand Tours remain an important goal, and I look forward to supporting the team while also seizing my own opportunities.”

Lidl-Trek has always had a strong Italian core. While Giulio Ciccone, a veteran of the team, is leaving, Simone Consonni, Jonathna Milan, and Matteo Sobrero will still be riding next year. Ganna won Olympic gold in the team pursuit on the track with the first two, while the latter is his brother-in-law. So it’s a bit like coming home.

"I know Simo and Jonny from riding together on the track. It's great to be on the same team as Simo again after so many years. It's wonderful to work with Jonny—he's a really nice guy. I also train with Matteo; he really motivates me when things get tough. Mads (Pedersen, ed.) is the team’s number one, and I hope to be a strong support for him—and vice versa. I know he’ll be a great supporter for me.”

CEO Andy Schleck is very pleased with Ganna’s arrival. “Filippo is an exceptional talent and a rider who has proven himself time and time again at the very highest level of our sport. His achievements speak for themselves, but what really excites us is the diversity of possibilities he brings to the team. From time trials and classics to Grand Tours, there are very few riders in the peloton with his combination of strength, experience, and versatility.”

The Luxembourger knows that the Italian will be a tremendous asset in many areas. “We believe Filippo still has a lot to achieve in his career, and we want to provide him with the environment and support he needs to keep pushing his limits. He’s a rider who can win some of the biggest races in the world, but who can also make a huge difference in his teammates’ success.”

Over the next three years, Lidl-Trek hopes to take the next step. “We have a clear plan for the future, and Filippo plays a crucial role in making that plan a reality. We’re really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”