American WorldTour team Lidl-Trek is actively working to sign Austrian climber Felix Gall from Decathlon CMA CGM for the upcoming season, according to a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 28-year-old climber is currently contending for a podium finish at the Giro d'Italia, sitting as the primary challenger behind Jonas Vingegaard in the mountain stages.
His current contract expires at the end of 2026.
Lidl-Trek recently strengthened its Grand Tour roster by signing Juan Ayuso and Derek Gee-West, alongside existing riders Mattias Skjelmose and Giulio Ciccone.
The team is also linked to sprinter Jordi Meeus following a difficult competitive year.
Meanwhile, Lidl-Trek sprinter Jonathan Milan experienced a tactical setback on May 28, finishing third on stage 18 into Pieve di Soligo behind stage winner Paul Magnier and runner-up Edoardo Zambanini.
The reduced field of 60 riders navigated a rainy 171-kilometer route from Fai della Paganella, catching a four-man breakaway before tackling the steep Muro di Ca' del Poggio climb located eight kilometers from the finish line.
"The guys, they did an amazing job, and I have to say sorry to them because if I didn't achieve the results that we were looking for, and after a big effort like today, they will need just this," said Milan.
The Italian sprinter remained winless in his home Grand Tour despite entering the race as a top favorite after previously securing four career Giro stage wins and two maglia ciclamino titles in 2023 and 2024.
"It was not an easy day. It could have been a big break, and it was not 100% a bunch sprint.
We tried to control it from the beginning," said Milan.
Milan led the peloton into the penultimate climb and successfully reconnected with the front group following attacks from the general classification contenders before losing positioning in the final wet corners.
"I made a mistake on positioning myself on the second to last turn. I should have stayed on Magnier's wheel," said Milan.
The race concludes on Sunday in Rome after consecutive summit finishes on stage 19 at Alleghe and stage 20 at Piancavallo.
"I think that we did our best. It was my fault to take this last corner in fourth wheel.
I should stay further up," said Milan.
