Lidl-Trek terminate multiple contracts, lucrative transfer season in full swing at German team

Like Walschied, Mosca has been offered a new opportunity in exchange for retiring from professional cycling. He still had a contract through 2027, but he’s trading in his bike for the team car.

“I’ve grown tremendously within the team, and I’ve shown that, as a rider, I was always there to help others,” said Mosca, who, by the way, is in a relationship with Elisa Longo Borghini.

"I was offered the chance to become sports director next year, and I'm really looking forward to getting behind the wheel next season, even though it's a big change. I’m really looking forward to it,” the Italian said.

"I've seen how cycling has evolved, and I think they can trust me because I come directly from the sport and was probably one of the riders who suffered the most in the peloton. Ultimately, I think it’s your mental attitude that makes the difference and motivates you to get more out of your legs,” said Mosca, who will ride his final race kilometers in Gran Piemonte on Thursday.

There have also been some changes on the women's team. On Monday, more news came out of the German team: Gaia Realini’s contract has been terminated by mutual agreement.

The Italian climber still had one year remaining on her contract.

Realini turned pro with Lidl-Trek in 2023 and did so in style. In her first race for the team, the UAE Tour, she immediately finished second. That same season, at just 22 years old, she also stood on the podium at both the Giro and the Vuelta, while as a U23 rider she finished third in the Tour de l’Avenir.

In 2024, Realini seemed poised to prove herself, notably by finishing fifth in her first Tour de France Femmes. To this day, however, those have turned out to be her greatest achievements. In fact, she hasn’t really posted any significant results since then.

So it seems Realini is now looking to move on. “After open and constructive discussions, Lidl-Trek and Gaia Realini have mutually agreed to part ways at the end of 2026, after four seasons of collaboration,” the team announced.

"We want to express our gratitude to Gaia for everything she has done for the team—including an unforgettable stage victory in the 2023 Vuelta Fénémina—and wish her all the best for the future."

Realini adds: “After four years together—four valuable years that have contributed so much to my personal growth and brought so many wonderful emotions—we’ve decided it’s time to go our separate ways. Thank you, Lidl-Trek, for everything we’ve shared and experienced together.”

These departure cannot be viewed in isolation from the rumours surrounding some of these riders' compatriots. For example, there is a lot of talk about Giulio Ciccone leaving to join Pinarello-Q36.5, while there are also rumours that Filippo Ganna will join the team from Netcompany INEOS.

Last week, Lidl-Trek announced the signing of Kasia Niewiadoma, having already signed Ally Wollaston, Arlenis Sierra, and Julia Kopecky. Shirin van Anrooij, on the other hand, is leaving the team.