British cyclist Tom Pidcock will ride in the upcoming Giro d’Italia after his Q36.5 Pro Cycling team received a wildcard invitation to the prestigious race. The 25-year-old expressed his excitement and motivation, vowing to make the most of the opportunity after his team’s inclusion in this year’s event.
The confirmation came on Monday when the UCI announced that Q36.5 was one of four ProTeams selected to participate in the Italian Grand Tour. The wildcard invites came after the governing body increased the number of teams allowed to compete in the Giro, raising the total from 22 to 23 teams. Along with Q36.5, Israel-Premier Tech, Tudor Pro Cycling, Polti VisitMalta, and VF Group Bardiani CSF-Faizanè were also invited.
Pidcock, who has never raced in the elite Giro d’Italia, previously won the under-23 edition of the race in 2020, known as the ‘Baby Giro’. While he is a Tour de France stage winner, the Giro will mark a significant milestone in his career. He has already set his sights on multiple stage wins, rather than targeting the general classification, with other riders like Primož Roglič and Juan Ayuso expected to compete for the overall title.
“I think it is a fantastic opportunity for us as a team,” Pidcock said. “It’s what we have wanted to be a part of since I joined this team, and now it’s become a reality. I’m looking forward to racing with the team and showcasing our partners, especially Q36.5 as an Italian brand.”
Pidcock made the move to Q36.5 from Ineos Grenadiers over the winter, a decision that meant he would be dependent on wildcard invitations for participation in major races. As the Tour de France had already confirmed its invites, the Giro became the primary target for Pidcock and his team.
This season, Pidcock has already notched significant victories, including the AlUla Tour and a stage win in the Ruta del Sol. He also finished second at Strade Bianche and secured sixth place overall at Tirreno-Adriatico, with his strong performance in the latter race particularly notable as it shares a stage in Siena with this year’s Giro.
The 2025 Giro d’Italia will kick off on May 9 in Albania, marking the start of the 108th edition of the race. After three days in Albania, the peloton will return to Italy, with the event concluding on June 1. Pidcock’s strategy will focus on targeting stage victories rather than challenging for the overall classification.
Doug Ryder, the team’s manager, expressed his gratitude for the invite and emphasized the significance of the race for both the team and its sponsors. “It’s truly a privilege to be a part of the Corsa Rosa this year,” said Ryder. “Starting our first Grand Tour as Q36.5 Pro Cycling is a dream come true.”
Ryder also highlighted the team’s strong start to the season, with seven victories so far, and the Italian connection through their title sponsor, Q36.5, a high-performance cycling apparel brand based in Italy. “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 in Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico,” he added.
As the Giro d’Italia approaches, Pidcock and his team will look to capitalize on their early-season success and make a mark in Italy’s most prestigious cycling event.
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