"He's really a guy who carries the team" - Pinarello Q36.5 rider praises Tom Pidcock and puts team on par with UAE in terms of professionalism

Sjoerd Bax is a rider who has made the switch from UAE Team Emirates - XRG to Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, which many would interpret as a step down into a less professional team, however that is not quite the case. The Swiss rider also has the privilege of working with Tom Pidcock since last season, and describes the difference in mentality it's made to the team.

Bax suffered from a serious pelvis fracture at the end of 2023 and that put to an end the evolution that he had been showing as a pro rider. Over recent years, the Dutchman has slowly regained his level, however he knows all too well how just some limitation can make a massive difference in performance. "I sometimes felt like I might be 3-4% short, but 3-4% at 450 watts is already quite a lot," Bax said in words to In de Leiderstrui.

Bax signed with Q36.5 in 2025, together with Tom Pidcock. He finished Top10 at the Tour of Hellas and came close to winning the final stage of the Giro d'Abruzzo, however wasn't able to capitalize on his recovery. Nevertheless, he has good feedback, whilst he also spent much of the season in a supporting role to other leaders. This year, that list of strong figures has grown significantly.

He will continue to also be a breakaway hunter, however he understands how even in this scenario, it is very hard to make something work. "Sometimes you come into a race and the level is so high. Then I'm not a climber. Or then there's a Quinn Simmons riding and he wants to be in the breakaway too. That makes it difficult".

However, Bax believes he is capable of reaching the best level he can at Pinarello, as he barely feels the difference after coming down from the sport's wealthiest and most successful teams. "In terms of professionalism, it's almost more serious here than with UAE. They really want to get the most out of every detail," he assures.

"In racing, it's different with UAE, because you start every race thinking we're going to win. That was different here in the beginning, where you really have to find your place in the peloton. With UAE, it's just standard: we deserve to be at the front, because we have that leader." However, that is part of the job, the 30-year old understands. But with a motivated Tom Pidcock at the helm of the team, a lot can be done.

"He's really a guy who carries the team. It's true that he's joined, and the whole team has changed because of him. He's also bringing a coach, soigneurs, and support staff with him. The team has improved enormously because of that. I don't know what the future of the team would have been like if he hadn't joined," he continues.

The signings of Sam Bennett, Eddie Dunbar, Fred Wright, Tom Gloag and Chris Harper make up what was one of the most impressive transfer runs of recent years; but the Swiss team can rely on other signings to also fight for top results even in the big races: "We've brought in new guys so we can compete for prizes in the bigger races. Last year, the goal in a bigger race was to be in the early breakaway, now we can ride in the top 10 in a Monument with Quinten Hermans or Xandro Meurisse," Bax added.