Pidcock and Merlier to start in AlUla Tour, European Champion sets sights on 'important classic'

Tom Pidcock's transfer from INEOS Grenadiers to Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team has been labeled the cycling soap opera of the year. With this high-profile move, the Swiss team led by Doug Ryder secured one of the biggest names in the sport. Wherever Pidcock races, he’ll be the leader, and his first outing with the team is set for the AIUla Tour in Saudi Arabia, as reported by Cycling Weekly. Tim Merlier is also at the start in Saudi Arabia, and another 'important classic,' the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, a prestigious one-day cycling race in Belgium, is also on the program.

While his final race schedule is still being finalized, according to the British cycling site, his debut has been confirmed. Instead of the familiar Volta ao Algarve, Pidcock will start his season in the big sandbox. For the 25-year-old Brit, who has never begun a season outside Europe and has rarely raced on the road beyond its borders, this marks a significant shift. But it seems one change has brought about another. With his new team, Pidcock dives straight into a season opener in an exotic location fueled by oil dollars.

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Pidcock and his team were praising the new environment

The AIUla Tour, won last year by Simon Yates, will run from January 28 to February 1. Though the official stage details are still under wraps, the last two years of the race have shown that the course usually favors punchy climbers, as past winners include Maxim van Gils and Adam Yates' British twin brother, Simon.

Joining Pidcock at Q36.5 are his brother Joseph, his coach Kurt Bogaerts (now Head of Technical Performance), and soigneur Xenia De Roose. Bogaerts expressed optimism: "The first impressions of Q36.5 were immediately positive. It’s special to continue working with Tom. Xenia and I have been part of his career since 2018, and we have achieved great results together. I’m excited to keep that journey going in this new team."

Pidcock himself was also enthusiastic at his presentation: "2025 is about to get lit! This isn’t just a change of jersey; it’s the start of something special. The chance to work with a team that’s growing, with incredible partners and brands, is something that motivates me. I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together."

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Merlier wins the sprint from Ewan

Merlier makes season debut again at AlUla Tour and also races in UAE Tour

In addition to Pidcock, the organization (ASO) can also count on Tim Merlier's presence in Saudi Arabia. The European road champion will thus make his season debut in the Middle East. Merlier also debuted in the AlUla Tour in 2024 and Oman in 2023. The five-day race was a great success for him last year, with victories in two stages.

After his successes in the AlUla Tour, Tim Merlier traveled to the UAE Tour last year, another thing that has not changed. Last year, the Soudal Quick-Step rider won three stages. This year, too, the Belgian has big ambitions in the United Arab Emirates, building on his past successes.

"I'm aiming for another strong start to the season, and I don't think that's a secret. It would be nice to win more stages again in AlUla and UAE. At the same time, having this special jersey on my shoulders will be unique. Still, I won't feel any pressure, as I've already won dressed in it since my victory at the European Championships last September," Merlier said in the press release.

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On Thursday, it was announced that 32-year-old Tim Merlier and his lead-out Bert Van Lerberghe will remain with the Belgian team until 2028. Merlier is keen on this continuity, which could be crucial to achieving many victories.

'From the Middle East, I will return home and focus on my first race there, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. It's an important classic that on paper could end up in a bunch sprint, so it would be nice if this were the case again, as I'd very much like to be in the fight for victory," said Merlier, who will compete in Kuurne for the first time in the Soudal Quick-Step outfit.

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