Official: Giulio Ciccone joins Pinarello-Q36.5 and will be Tom Pidcock’s teammate until 2029

The signing of Giulio Ciccone by Pinarello-Q36.5 is now official. The Swiss team has confirmed the addition of the Italian climber for the next three seasons, until the end of 2029. Ciccone will share the team with Tom Pidcock in one of the projects that is being strengthened the most ahead of 2027.

Ciccone and Pidcock will form one of the most interesting pairs in the peloton in 2027

One of the most notable moves in the cycling market has been confirmed. After several weeks of negotiations, Giulio Ciccone has signed a three-season contract with Pinarello-Q36.5, which he will join on January 1, 2027.

The first information about his possible signing and the need to resolve his contract with Lidl-Trek appeared at the end of September. Last Friday, Lidl-Trek officially confirmed his departure after eight seasons, although his new destination had not yet been announced at that time.

The Italian, who had a contract with Lidl-Trek until 2029, has reached an agreement to leave the structure where he competed since 2019 and begin a new stage with the Swiss team.

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At 31 years old, Ciccone arrives after closing the season with two top-level results: runner-up in Europe and third in Il Lombardia, where he raced his last event with Lidl-Trek.

His addition represents a significant leap in quality for Pinarello-Q36.5, which will have two particularly competitive riders in the mountains and the most demanding classics.

Ciccone explains why he decided to change teams

In his first statements as a new signing, Ciccone explained that the decision mainly responds to the need to find new stimuli after eight years within the same structure.

"After eight years with the same team, it's a big decision, but it was something I really wanted to do. I feel that I still have a lot to offer and needed a new challenge, new motivations, and an environment where I could feel at home," the Italian assures.

Ciccone acknowledges that the human aspect was decisive in the conversations with his new team, although he also highlights the technical work that exists behind the project, especially regarding the equipment and bike development.

But one of the main sporting attractions will be sharing a team with Tom Pidcock.

"I am looking forward to racing alongside Tom Pidcock. I have always admired him, not only for his talent but because he is a rider who thinks differently and is not afraid to do things his way. I hope we can bring something more to each other and build something special together".

The combination opens new possibilities for the Swiss team, both in grand tours and one-day classics. Both are known for their offensive capabilities and performance on demanding routes, although the team has not yet specified how it will distribute its leadership and objectives in 2027.

Douglas Ryder, the head of Pinarello-Q36.5, has emphasized that Ciccone's arrival brings experience, leadership, and a proven ability to make a difference when races get tough.

With three stage wins in the Giro d'Italia, a mountain jersey in the Tour de France, and the 2025 Clásica de San Sebastián among his main successes, Ciccone joins a squad that aims to take a new step forward.

The signing also confirms the ambition of Pinarello-Q36.5, which will continue to compete as a ProTeam in 2027 but is building a structure with top-level international riders.