THE CYCLING TRANSFER MILL “SILLY SEASON”
INSIDE THE 2026-27 “SILLY SEASON” – MEN, WOMEN & SOUTH AFRICAN STARS
As the Giro d’Italia dust settles and the Tour de France approaches, another race is already taking place behind the scenes.
Cycling’s transfer market is heating up.
With more than 200 WorldTour riders reportedly approaching the end of their contracts, teams are already positioning themselves for one of the busiest “silly seasons” in recent memory. Names like Felix Gall, Jai Hindley and Arnaud De Lie are dominating discussions, while some of the sport’s biggest stars are weighing their options.
But before diving into the rumours, it’s worth understanding how the transfer system actually works.
WHEN CAN TEAMS ACTUALLY SIGN RIDERS?
The days of unrestricted poaching are gone.
Under current UCI regulations, teams can only officially register rider transfers during specific periods.
First Window (Mid-Season)
August 1 to August 15
Transfers completed during this period can take effect immediately during the current season.
Second Window (Season-End)
October 15 to December 31
This is the main transfer period for riders changing teams ahead of the following season.
Importantly, negotiations can begin well before these dates.
That explains why rumours often emerge months before contracts are officially signed.
THE BIGGEST MEN’S TRANSFER RUMOURS
Felix Gall To Lidl-Trek?
Austrian climber Felix Gall has become one of the hottest properties in the peloton.
Following an outstanding Giro d’Italia campaign and second place overall, Lidl-Trek are reportedly interested in adding Gall and fellow Austrian Gregor Mühlberger.
With Juan Ayuso, Derek Gee, Mattias Skjelmose and Giulio Ciccone already on the roster, the move would create one of the strongest climbing squads in the sport.
Jai Hindley To Visma | Lease A Bike?
The 2022 Giro d’Italia winner is heavily linked with Visma.
Hindley could replace Simon Yates in a super-domestique role supporting Jonas Vingegaard while still enjoying leadership opportunities in selected races.
Reports suggest Hindley delayed contract discussions until after the Giro to maximise his value on the market.
Arnaud De Lie To Tudor?
Belgian classics star Arnaud De Lie is one of the most sought-after riders available.
Tudor Pro Cycling are believed to have made the strongest financial offer, reportedly beating interest from Soudal Quick-Step and Red Bull-Bora.
Such a signing would underline Tudor’s WorldTour ambitions.
Lennert Van Eetvelt To NSN Cycling?
Young Belgian talent Lennert Van Eetvelt is expected to leave Lotto.
Journalist Daniel Benson has suggested that a deal with NSN Cycling may already be close to completion, although no official announcement has been made.
Jordi Meeus To Lidl-Trek?
Lidl-Trek’s shopping spree may not stop with climbers.
Sprint specialist Jordi Meeus has also been linked with the team, potentially strengthening the lead-out support around Jonathan Milan.
THE WILDCARD
Paul Seixas
At just 19 years old, Paul Seixas has become one of the most exciting young riders in cycling.
Although contracted to Decathlon-CMA CGM until 2027, many of the sport’s biggest teams are watching closely.
A strong Tour de France debut could ignite a bidding war.
BIG NAMES STILL AVAILABLE
The transfer market remains wide open.
Among the stars approaching the end of their contracts are:
• Primož Roglič
• Egan Bernal
Meaning the 2026-27 silly season could still produce several surprises.
THE WOMEN’S PELOTON IS JUST AS BUSY
The women’s transfer market is generating plenty of excitement.
Paula Blasi And The Million-Dollar Talk
Rumours continue to swirl around Catalan rider Paula Blasi.
FDJ-Suez, Uno-X, Movistar and Lidl-Trek have all been mentioned.
Reports suggest cycling could soon see its first million-dollar contract.
Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney To Lidl-Trek?
After nine seasons with Canyon-SRAM, Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney is reportedly close to joining Lidl-Trek on a three-year deal.
Lidl-Trek are searching for a new Grand Tour leader after the departure of Elisa Longo Borghini.
Chloé Dygert Looking Towards Los Angeles 2028
Two-time world champion Chloé Dygert has been linked with American Continental team Virginia’s Blue Ridge-TWENTY28.
The move would allow her to focus on preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONNECTION
Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio
South African legend Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio has extended her career through the end of 2026.
At 38 years old, she continues to compete at the highest level and remains one of African cycling’s greatest ambassadors.
She is currently racing at the Volta a Catalunya, supporting Spanish teammate Mireia Benito.
Kim Le Court
Mauritian star Kim Le Court, based in South Africa and racing for AG Insurance-Soudal, continues her return from injury. Kim is signed through the 2028 season.
The winner of Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2025 suffered a wrist fracture after crashing at the Tour of Flanders earlier this season.
She has now returned to racing at the Tour de Suisse, with the team taking a cautious approach to her recovery.
ANY TRANSFER RUMOURS?
At present, there are no significant rumours linking either Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio or Kim Le Court with a move away from AG Insurance-Soudal.
Ashley will focus on cycling development after the 2026 season.
THE SILLY SEASON IS ONLY GETTING STARTED
With the Tour de France still to come and several major names yet to decide their futures, cycling’s transfer market promises plenty more twists and surprises.
One thing is certain.
The conversations happening behind closed doors today could shape the peloton for years to come.
Which transfer would surprise you most?
Let us know in the comments.
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