The impressive salary of Pidcock at Q36.5 would leave him as the second highest paid cyclist in the world

The signing of Tom Pidcock by the Q36.5 team was one of the most talked about in 2025, not only because of his sudden departure from INEOS but also because of his choice of a lower category team. Now it seems that the reasons for the British rider are more than justified, considering that, in addition to a tailor-made sports project, he seems to have the second best salary in the entire peloton. Pidcock would be earning between 7.5 and 8.5 million euros annually, as revealed by the Swiss newspaper Le Temps.

Tom Pidcock's salary would only be below that of Pogacar

This figure places him as the second highest paid cyclist in the world, even surpassing the two-time Tour de France champion, Jonas Vingegaard, whose salary is estimated at around 4.5 million euros.

Pidcock, who left INEOS to become the undisputed leader in Q36.5 and enjoy a tailored calendar and team, was already earning a respectable amount in the British team (2.7 million euros annually). However, his current contract with the modest Swiss team multiplies that amount and dangerously approaches the 9 million that Tadej Pogacar is estimated to receive at UAE Team Emirates.

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This salary, disclosed by the Swiss newspaper Le Temps, is generating debate as Pidcock's recent performance and road history do not seem to justify such an investment. His discreet role in the Giro d'Italia - where he did not compete for the general classification and attributed his low level to the heat and lack of preparation - has been the most visible point of an irregular season.

Despite not having won major tours or monuments, his investment does not seem to be motivated by results but by the media impact and attraction that Pidcock offers. His presence has opened the doors of Q36.5 to WorldTour races such as the Giro and the Vuelta, something unthinkable without a figure of his caliber.

The return for sponsors and the visibility of the project seem to have been key in justifying the economic effort.

In a context where the salaries of cycling stars are skyrocketing, Q36.5's bet on Pidcock aligns more with a marketing investment than with immediate sporting performance.