Cycling Weekly has reported that Tom Pidcock is set to begin his journey with the Q36.5 Pro Cycling team at the AIUla Tour in Saudi Arabia. Although details about his debut season remain scarce, trusted sources indicate his first appearance with the Swiss-registered ProTeam will take place in the Middle East by the end of January. The AIUla Tour spans five stages, running from 28th January to 1st February. Following this, Pidcock is expected to return to Europe to gear up for the onset of the Classics season.
Transition from Ineos Grenadiers to Q36.5
The 25-year-old British rider switched to Q36.5 during the off-season, parting ways with his former squad Ineos Grenadiers by mutual agreement. In an interesting turn of events, Pidcock’s long-time coach, Kurt Bogaerts, has also joined Q36.5 as Head of Technical Performance alongside Pidcock’s soigneur, Xenia De Roose. Bogaerts expressed enthusiasm about the move, stating, “First impressions are always important and in the case of the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team those impressions were positive. It’s very special to continue working with Tom. Xenia and I have been part of his career since 2018, and we achieved great results together. In this new team environment, I am looking forward to continuing that journey.”
This new chapter will see Pidcock riding alongside his younger brother Joe, who recently joined Q36.5 after Trinity Racing’s road arm shut down. It marks the first occurrence where the Pidcock siblings will be part of the same professional team, joining fellow Brit Mark Donovan. Reflecting on the year ahead, team principal Doug Ryder remarked, “At the end of a year you always look back and reflect but I am looking ahead. How could I not? The Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team will embark on a great, new adventure with the addition of our new riders and staff.”
Upon joining Q36.5, Pidcock will be competing on Scott road bikes, a decision driven by the team’s existing partnership with the Swiss bike manufacturer. However, he will continue to ride Pinarello bikes for his off-road endeavours, including mountain biking events and cyclocross races. While his road season typically commenced at the Volta ao Algarve with Ineos Grenadiers, the AlUla Tour represents a new starting point with Q36.5, who have been present in Saudi Arabia for the past two seasons. Complete confirmation of Pidcock’s race schedule is anticipated from the team in the coming days.
