Giulio Ciccone to leave Lidl-Trek at end of 2026 season

Lidl-Trek and Italian cyclist Giulio Ciccone have mutually agreed to terminate their partnership at the end of the 2026 season. Despite having a contract through 2029, the decision marks the end of an eight-season tenure for the climber, whose final race with the team will be Il Lombardia.

Ciccone’s departure follows a period of significant success with the team, including winning the mountains classification at the 2023 Tour de France and the 2025 Clásica San Sebastián. Reports suggest the split may have been influenced by team management changes and tactical disagreements during the 2026 Giro d’Italia.

Ciccone is expected to join the Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. His exit creates roster space for Lidl-Trek, which is reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Italian specialist Filippo Ganna.