Austrian duo to strengthen Lidl-Trek's climbing and stage-racing contingent in the coming years
Another strong climbing duo is joining the Lidl-Trek roster: Giro d’Italia runner-up and Vuelta a Espana podium finisher Felix Gall, as well as his Austrian compatriot Gregor Mühlberger, are coming on board together.
28-year-old Gall has signed a three-year contract through 2029, whilst Mühlberger, four years his senior, has signed for two years through 2028.
Both riders, who are not only teammates but also close friends, will bring a wealth of experience to the Team and are particularly strong in the mountains at Grand Tours – fitting for their Austrian roots.
Together, they have taken another step forward in the still ongoing 2026 season with Gall finishing both the Giro and the Vuelta on the podium while Mühlberger, a loyal domestique in Italy – who also finished 15th overall himself – winning the Lidl Tour of Austria in dominant fashion.
Buddies: Gregor Mühlberger (left) and Felix Gall. | Photo: Christian Forcher
“Gregor will bring a wealth of experience to the Team over the next two years, but just as importantly, he brings the qualities every team values: loyalty, commitment and a willingness to give everything for those around him. He is the kind of teammate who will put himself on the line for his leader without hesitation, while still having the ability to seize his own opportunities. As we saw at this year’s Lidl Tour of Austria, when that moment comes, Gregor is more than capable of delivering an outstanding result himself as well,” CEO Andy Schleck commented on the arrival of Mühlberger and added in regards to Gall:
Felix has truly grown into his role as a GC leader, and it has been exciting to watch him take another step forward each season. Since his breakthrough Tour de France in 2023, he has continued to develop his consistency, confidence and ability to perform at the highest level across three demanding weeks. In 2026, Felix has shown that he belongs among the very best, establishing himself as a genuine Grand Tour podium contender. But we believe there is still so much more to come. Together at Lidl-Trek, we have the ambition to keep pushing the limits of what we can achieve, and we're incredibly excited to see how far we can go together over the next three years.
Gregor Mühlberger and Felix Gall at La Vuelta a Espana. | Photo: Getty Sport
Gall was already one of the biggest talents in cycling as a teenager, becoming world junior road race champion in Richmond, USA, in 2015. Since then, he has developed as a rider in a healthy and consistent manner – spending five years at the teams now known as Picnic-PostNL and Decathlon–CMA CGM – to reach his current level and now join Lidl-Trek with big ambitions.
With Lidl-Trek a new chapter in my career as professional cyclist begins. After wonderful years and the success that came with them, it is now time for me to take the next logical step. Lidl-Trek's high standards across all aspects of modern cycling align perfectly with my own goal of continuing to develop in the best possible way. I am highly motivated and inspired as I look forward to this journey together.
Gregor Mühlberger and Felix Gall at the Giro d'Italia. | Photo: Getty Sport
Mühlberger is similarly excited, having moved to Decathlon-CMA CGM for the 2026 season to join his friend after five years at both Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe and Movistar Team, and is now coming to Lidl-Trek with him.
A small dream is coming true. The opportunity to ride for Lidl-Trek is a great message, a major milestone and another valuable chapter in my journey through professional cycling, which now spans more than ten years. I am thrilled and hope to make a significant contribution to the team in the coming years. For me, what matters is supporting team leaders at the highest level while also having the chance to race for my own results - I look forward to everything that lies ahead.
