Armstrong confirms what we suspected: Q36.5 has bigger plans after Pidcock

In the latest episode of THEMOVE, Lance Armstrong, George Hincapie, and Johan Bruyneel dive into the biggest transfers of the season. The three former riders highlight Ben O’Connor, Marc Hirschi, Simon Yates, and, to a lesser extent, Julian Alaphilippe as the standout transfers of 2024. But there’s one transfer they believe is truly the talk of the season: “Pidcock is clearly the story of this transfer window,” says Bruyneel.

In the podcast, the trio point out a notable difference this year compared to previous seasons. While Peter Sagan once brought an entire entourage of riders and staff members with him when he switched teams, the big names of this transfer season are not following that trend. It used to be a given: when a team leader transferred, a few domestiques, compatriots, or trusted staff members would follow in their wake. However, O’Connor, Alaphilippe, Hirschi, and Yates are all moving to their new teams alone.

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Alaphilippe isn't bringing any familiar faces to Tudor

It has to do with the leveling of teams, Armstrong thinks 

“It’s unique,” says Hincapie. “Take Pidcock, for example, who has spent his entire career with the same team. You always build a bond with one or two people, especially with staff members who give you the most confidence. This is something we haven’t seen in a long time: riders not bringing anyone with them. I find it strange.”

Armstrong adds: “Isn’t it the case that many teams have leveled out in terms of quality? We often talk about how great the riders are, but the staff—whether it’s a chiropractor, trainer, chef, or soigneur—is just as important. These aren’t the old days anymore—these teams have become professional organizations. It almost feels like F1 or the Premier League. So riders don’t have to worry as much about bringing their own people. They know they’re going to teams where everything is already well-organized.”

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Q36.5, Pidcock's new team

Will Pidcock bring two people to Q36.5 Pro Cycling?

Still, Bruyneel believes this doesn’t fully apply to Pidcock. “Pidcock will definitely bring people to Q36.5,” says the Belgian. “His coach/director is a Belgian—Kurt Bogaerts, and I think he will join him. This man is responsible for Pidcock’s entire program, not just the road. I also expect a mechanic to go with him since Pidcock rides so many different bikes. And with all due respect, I think a team like Q36.5 could still improve their staff.” According to rumors, in addition to Bogaerts, Tom’s younger brother, Joseph Pidcock, will also ride for the Swiss team. There are also rumors surrounding Elia Viviani.

Gent-Wevelgem winner Hincapie only sees advantages in Pidcock’s transfer. “I'm looking at Q36.5’s roster. There aren’t any major standouts, but when someone like Pidcock comes in, they’re going to fully commit to him. No distractions, the plan is clear. I think we’ll see a lot of these riders improve because of that,” the American predicts.

Bruyneel also believes Pidcock’s transfer will give Q36.5 a significant boost for the future. “It must be a challenge for them to attract young talent, but with Pidcock on board, that will become easier. Riders will be more drawn to Q36.5 because they now have a strong leader who can win races. Plus, they’ll get invitations to bigger races. In every classic Pidcock wants to race, they’ll automatically get a wildcard. The Grand Tours might still be a different story.”

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Hincapie, Armstrong and Wiggins

Armstrong knows Q36.5 won’t stop at this one statement

Armstrong concludes the conversation with his own prediction. The former rider from Texas, who has connections within the Swiss team, knows this transfer is only the beginning for team owner Ivan Glasenberg. “This is a statement. They’re saying: we’re here to compete, and this is just our first move. We’ve seen an influx of money into the sport with teams like UAE and Bahrain. And the guy we’re talking about—you can almost hear the piggy bank shaking—because my friend is very passionate about the sport. He wants to make his presence felt,” Armstrong finishes, leaving the conversation on a cliffhanger.

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