Pidcock makes bold choice for his debut race with new team: Will a change of scene bring success?

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.

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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