Pidcock makes a big impression during introduction to new team: "I haven't seen this with other leaders"

It was the number one transfer saga of this winter: Tom Pidcock seemed set to leave INEOS Grenadiers, then appeared likely to stay, only to ultimately sign with Q36.5 anyway. Now at his new team, Pidcock has completed his debut as team leader — a transition team boss Doug Ryder hailed as a resounding success. "Tom has really impressed our riders," he shared.

While Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert are currently diving into cyclo-cross, that’s not the case for Pidcock. The Brit is skipping a winter of racing, as he announced on social media last week. "With a lot of change I want to make sure I have the time to settle into a new environment to get to know my new team and teammates well," he explained.

Pidcock has already completed his introduction to the team, having attended the first training camp in Spain. "His attention to detail is next level," Ryder told the BBC about his new leader. "He focuses on every millimeter. On the bike positioning and the bike set-up, to the nutrition, to the race program, to the coaching."

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Pidcock’s signing is a "game changer" for Q36.5

"He met with all the leaders in our team. The head coach, the head nutritionist, the head doctor, the head of performance and was challenging and asking questions," continued Ryder, Q36.5’s manager. "He really, really wants to get the whole team on board with him, which I haven't seen in some big leaders in the past. He's such a good leader and motivator, and it has really impressed our riders."

Ryder describes Pidcock’s arrival as a game changer for the team. "We're going to give him full leadership, trust, and faith to try and support his goals and ambitions." He may have skipped cyclo-cross this winter, but the British superstar will indeed be racing on the road and in mountain biking next season.

Exactly which races he will compete in remains somewhat uncertain. As a ProContinental team, Q36.5 relies on wildcards and does not have direct access to the major races. However, with Pidcock on board, they hope to take significant steps in the right direction. In the long term, Ryder’s Swiss-based team aims to become one of the top teams in the world.

"This isn’t just a team change; it’s the beginning of something special," Pidcock said during his announcement as a new rider for Q36.5. "The chance to work with a growing team, alongside great partners and brands, is something that motivates me. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together."

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