Netcompany Ineos Will Sign Three New Riders
The cycling team announced the signings of Joe Blackmore, James Shaw, and Clément Champoussin for the 2027 season.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Cycling
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On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Netcompany Ineos announced the addition of Joe Blackmore, James Shaw, and Clément Champoussin to its roster. The three riders will officially join the team for the 2027 season under new multi-year professional contracts.
Why it matters
The team director recruited the new riders based on his belief that they possess significant potential to impact future races. These signings come as part of a broader roster shift for the team heading into the next competitive year.
Joe Blackmore, age 23, joins after a 2024 season featuring wins at the Tour de l'Avenir and U23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège, while 30-year-old James Shaw brings experience from seven Grand Tours. Clément Champoussin, 28, has signed a three-year deal after previously winning a stage at the 2021 Vuelta a España.
The players
Joe Blackmore
He is a 23-year-old cyclist who established himself as a top prospect with multiple major wins in 2024.
Clément Champoussin
The 28-year-old cyclist from Nice is known for his climbing ability and stage-winning performance in the Vuelta a España.
James Shaw
A 30-year-old professional cyclist, he has competed in seven Grand Tours during his career.
Netcompany Ineos
This is a professional cycling team currently undergoing a significant roster turnover for the upcoming season.
Ben Swift
He is a veteran professional cyclist who is retiring from the sport.
The details
Netcompany Ineos is reshaping its lineup, welcoming Harold Tejada and Benjamin Noval alongside the three new recruits. These changes occur as current team members Filippo Ganna, AJ August, Magnus Sheffield, and Sam Welsford depart, and veteran Ben Swift retires.
Timeline
Champoussin won a Vuelta a España stage and placed 16th overall in 2021.
Blackmore won the Tour de l'Avenir and U23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2024.
Blackmore rode the Tour de France and finished fourth in Brabantse Pijl in 2025.
Netcompany Ineos announced the three signings on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
The new riders will join the team for the 2027 competitive season.
Season Trajectory
These signings signal a major strategic shift for Netcompany Ineos as it rebuilds its roster after the departure of key veteran riders. The team is aiming to re-establish its competitive standing by integrating young talent and experienced Grand Tour riders into its 2027 squad.
The addition of three riders to the team roster will necessitate a shuffle in the rotation for major race stage events. This will likely change the team's tactical approach and potential podium outcomes for major tours throughout the 2027 calendar.
The takeaway
The team's aggressive recruitment strategy reflects a long-term plan to develop young talent like Joe Blackmore for future Grand Tour success. Cycling fans should monitor how these new signees adapt to their new team's racing style during the early 2027 season.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional racing, visit Cycling.
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