Tom Pidcock is expected to make his debut for his new team Q36.5 Pro Cycling at the AIUla Tour in Saudi Arabia, Cycling Weekly Understood.
Full details of his first season with Q36.5 are unclear, but sources say he will start his career by registering with the ProTeam in Switzerland in the Middle East at the end of January.
The AIUla Tour will host five stages from January 28 to February 1. Pidcock is expected to then return to Europe to prepare for the start of the Classics.
It is understood the team will release full confirmation of Pidcock’s first race in the coming days.
For the past three seasons, the British rider has started his road season in Volta, Algarve, with his former team Ineos Grenadiers skipping the early-season Tour of AlUla. However, Q36.5 has been present in Saudi Arabia for the past two seasons.
Pidcock joined the Swiss professional team in the off-season after agreeing to terminate his contract with Ineos Grenadiers. The 25-year-old’s long-term coach Kurt Bogaerts has also recently joined the team as technical performance director, along with Pidcock wingback Xenia De Roose.
“First impressions are always important and for the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team these impressions are positive,” Bogaerts said after confirming his arrival at Q36.5. “Continuing to work with Tom is very special. Xenia and I have been a part of his career since 2018 and we have achieved great results together. I look forward to continuing this journey in this new team environment.”
The latest competition content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, delivered straight to your inbox!
The British driver’s younger brother, Joe Pidcock, also recently joined Q36.5 following the closure of the road division of his former team, Trinity Racing. This will be the first time the two have appeared in the same professional attire. The brothers will join fellow Englishman Mark Donovan in their new team.
“At the end of a year you always look back and reflect, but I look forward,” Q36.5 team principal Doug Ryder said recently. “How could I not? With the addition of our new riders and staff, the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is about to embark on a great, new adventure.”
As part of the move to the Q36.5, Pidcock will ride Scott road bikes as the team has struck a deal with the Swiss brand, while the double Olympic champion will continue to ride Pinarello bikes in both mountain and cross-country cycling events and cross-country racing.
