"Now it’s become a reality" - Tom Pidcock will race Giro d'Italia after Q36.5 receives wildcard

Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team have signed Tom Pidcock this winter and it has changed everything. The Swiss team have been racing very well with good results, it will now race the Giro d'Italia for the first time, and it will do so with a motivated Pidcock who is currently racing at his best.

“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," Pidcock said in a press release. The Briton may be in the fight for the overall classification if he continues to race as he's done in the spring, but at least being in contention for stage wins is likely.

"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.”

The team is grabbing the opportunity with both hands, and likely starting with riders such as Matteo Moschetti and Fabio Christen who have already earned them wins this year. Team manager Doug Ryder also talked about the invitation:

“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.

"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 argues. "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.”

On the other side of the table is Tudor Pro Cycling Team who have gotten the invite without having to battle Q36.5 out of the way, both teams have now received a wildcard, and this could potentially see the likes of Julian Alaphilippe and Marc Hirschi at the start in Albania.

Team manager Fabian Cancellara was pleased with the double news on the day (with the Tour de France also confirmed): “The Giro d’Italia is one of the biggest races in the World and we are proud to be at the start again this year. The Giro will forever be a special race to us as it is where we made our Grand Tour debuts. On behalf of the entire Team, I would like to thank RCS Sports for their trust and assure them of our commitment to making them proud of their choice.”