Tom Pidcock is set to make his debut at the Giro d’Italia after his Q36.5 Pro Cycling team was awarded a wildcard invitation to the prestigious race. The announcement, made by Giro organizers RCS in a press release on Monday evening, confirmed that Q36.5 will join Julian Alaphilippe’s Tudor Pro Cycling, Team Polti Visit Malta, and VF Group BardianiCSF – Faizane at the 2025 edition of the Giro.
The wildcard invitations come after the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) approved a request to expand the race field from 22 to 23 teams. This decision, backed by the Professional Cycling Council (PCC), was confirmed on Monday and will be implemented at the upcoming Giro. The move ensures that the 2025 Giro will feature 18 WorldTour teams alongside five ProTeams, including the recently invited squads. The race will start in Albania on May 9, with the Italian portion of the event following shortly after.
Pidcock, who won the under-23 Giro in 2020, has never before competed in the senior edition of the race. Although he was never selected by his former team, Ineos Grenadiers, for the Giro, Pidcock has instead focused on other Grand Tours, including multiple appearances at the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España in 2021. The British rider enters the season in strong form, having won the AlUla Tour and a stage of the Ruta del Sol in February. Additionally, he claimed second place at Strade Bianche and finished sixth overall at Tirreno-Adriatico.
The 2025 Giro d’Italia will commence in Albania on May 9 and conclude on June 1. The race’s opening days will take place in Albania, after which the peloton will return to Italy for the remainder of the 108th edition. While defending champion Tadej Pogačar has opted to focus on the Spring Classics and the Tour de France, Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) are expected to be among the top contenders for the overall victory. Roglič recently triumphed at the Volta a Catalunya, while Ayuso claimed victory at Tirreno-Adriatico.
Other notable riders set to compete include Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost), Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), and 2021 Giro winner Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers).
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