Tom Pidcock has revealed that shifting management at Ineos Grenadiers played a central role in his decision to cut his contract short and join Q36.5, marking one of the winter’s most significant transfers in cycling.
The 25-year-old, who has previously won the prestigious Strade Bianche and Amstel Gold, has made a bold move from the WorldTour to the second-tier team, putting an end to months of speculation regarding his future. With Q36.5 dependent on wildcard invitations for major events, Pidcock is no longer assured of racing in the sport’s most prominent races, such as the Tour de France. Nevertheless, the deteriorating relationship with Ineos prompted him to seek an exit.
At Q36.5’s annual media day in Calpe, Spain, Pidcock reflected on his departure. “Honestly, I’m struggling to give an answer to why it ended the way it did,” he admitted. “That team was my second family, and I have great memories, but it was time to move on, and I accepted that long ago. I’m good at putting things behind me.”
Discussing his reasons further, Pidcock explained, “Things weren’t going as I initially imagined at Ineos. The decision to end my contract felt like the best mutual solution. It wasn’t a sudden moment but a gradual realization. Last year was tough for both me and Ineos.”
The Briton had signed a five-year contract with Ineos in spring 2022, which was set to run until the end of the 2027 season. However, he opted to end it three years early. With long-term contracts becoming increasingly common in professional cycling, Pidcock revealed that changes in Ineos’ management contributed to his decision to leave. Sir Dave Brailsford, formerly head of the team, was succeeded by John Allert.
“Ineos is a fantastic team with its own ambitions, but what happened with me was business, not personal,” said Pidcock. “When I signed my contract, the team was under different leadership. That shift created some difficulties, as it didn’t align with what I had imagined, but they still offered me all the support.”
Pidcock’s transfer has reignited debates on cycling contracts. The growing trend of long-term deals, particularly for young riders, has prompted questions about the stability and flexibility of such agreements. Pidcock weighed in on the issue, acknowledging the risks of extended contracts. “Some contracts are incredibly long, especially for young talent,” he said. “If teams miss out on signing the right riders and all the top talent is locked in for years, it could seriously harm a team. It’s a problem, especially if a rider is unhappy and stuck.”
Despite moving to a second-tier team, Pidcock is optimistic about his future. “From the first meeting, I knew this was the right place for me,” he said of his decision to join Q36.5. “It was a matter of the belief they have in me and our shared vision of success. They’re the smartest people I’ve ever worked with, and although the team is in a lower division, it’s far from subpar.”
Looking ahead, Pidcock is aiming for a podium finish in a Grand Tour. Q36.5 hopes to secure invitations to both the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España. “I haven’t envisioned winning a Grand Tour yet, but I definitely think a podium is achievable,” he stated. “My goal is to build toward that, focusing on the races I want to do, enjoying them, and moving forward with the team.”
Pidcock’s bold move reflects his desire to achieve more, and with Q36.5 behind him, he looks set to take on new challenges with renewed determination.
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