Specializing in prestigious victories, British cyclist Tom Pidcock stated that he wants to further enrich his record in road races with his new Swiss team Q36.5. After a turbulent departure from Ineos, Pidcock signed a three-year contract with the second-division team, accepting the challenge of rebuilding his career away from the World Tour.
A courageous decision for the future
Pidcock’s choice is bold, especially since he will not participate in the Tour de France this year, the race that made him famous with a victory on Alpe d’Huez. Furthermore, his team will have to rely on invitations to participate in the major competitions. “The idea of skipping the Tour this year and coming back in 2026 with renewed determination motivates me a lot,” Pidcock said during a pre-season training camp in Calpe, Spain.
Q36.5’s ambitions with Pidcock’s arrival
The team’s general manager, Doug Ryder, emphasized the significance of the British rider’s arrival:
“Tom’s arrival is a game-changer for us. In recent years, we haven’t participated in any Grand Tours, but with him, our chances increase significantly. We hope to be at the start of the Vuelta or Giro this year, and our big goal is to participate in the Tour de France in 2026.”
Goals for 2025 and beyond
Before targeting the Grand Tours, Pidcock aims to compete in the Italian spring classics, such as Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico, and Milan-San Remo, depending on the necessary invitations. “It’s a new situation for me, but I’m ready,” he admitted.
A new chapter after leaving Ineos
Pidcock, 25, left Ineos after a difficult 2024 season. “It was a challenging year for both parties, and in the end, it was better to part ways,” he explained, adding that joining Q36.5 was a “heartfelt decision.”
A record to build
Among his most prestigious victories are a stage win on Alpe d’Huez at the 2022 Tour, Strade Bianche 2023, the Amstel Gold Race 2024, and two Olympic gold medals in cross-country (Tokyo and Paris). “After the Paris Games, I told my girlfriend I wanted to show what I can do on the road. My record is still too short, and I’m determined to win more,” Pidcock concluded, dedicating the winter to preparing for his road racing goals.