Tom Pidcock excited to compete in Giro d'Italia; Q36.5 and the Brit see plenty of opportunities for success

The decision was finally made on Monday: the grand tours are allowed to invite an extra team. Q36.5 was thus invited for the first time to a grand tour. One day later, the Swiss team announced it was very pleased with the invitation and would send Tom Pidcock as its star to the Italian tour.

Team principal Doug Ryder shared his happiness in a press release: "I am really happy we received this invitation, and I would like to thank RCS for inviting us. It’s truly a privilege to be a part of the Corsa Rosa this year. With seven victories so far this season, we have demonstrated what we are capable of. Starting our first Grand Tour as Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is a dream come true."

"Our connection to Italy runs deep; looking at the course, I believe it suits our riders well, particularly our team leader, Tom Pidcock, who has already shown his strength on Italian roads this year," says Ryder, referring to Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico. "While there are specific stages we are especially excited about, above all, I am incredibly proud of our team, our staff, and the founding partners who have supported us on this journey to the highest levels of the sport."

Pidcock, who has also set his sights on the Ardennes classics, will thus appear at the start of the Giro d'Italia for the first time. "I think it is a fantastic opportunity for us as a team. It’s what we have wanted to be a part of since I joined this team, and now it’s become a reality. I think it’s going to be a pretty exciting race with lots of different opportunities. I am looking forward to racing with the team and showcasing our partners, especially Q36.5 as an Italian brand. I’m glad we have this opportunity, and I’m motivated to make the most of it."

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Tudor to Giro d'Italia and Tour de France

Tudor can even get ready for two major tours: the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. "The Giro d'Italia is one of the biggest races in the world, and I am proud that we will be at the start again. It will always be a special race because we debuted in a grand tour here. On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank RCS for their trust and assure them that we will make the best of it," said team manager Fabian Cancellara. Last year, the team with Michael Storer already finished in the top ten of the general classification of the Giro.

With Julian Alaphilippe in the ranks, it can also prepare for its first participation in the Tour. "It is super motivating to think about the Tour, and I see it as a historic moment for our team. The course looks difficult, but that is the case every year. There are many chances for punchers, and I see several opportunities in the first week," the Frenchman said. Marc Hirschi also sees opportunities. "Winning a stage would be the highlight of the year for me. I have very fond memories of the race and can't wait to come back."

In addition to Q36.5 and Tudor, Polti-Visit Malta and VF Group-Bardiani have also been invited to the Giro. Q36.5 will not be at the Tour, but TotalEnergies and Uno-X can look forward to it. Lotto and Israel-Premier Tech were automatically invited to both races, but the Belgian team has chosen to skip the Giro.

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