OFFICIAL: Pinarello Q36.5's busy transfer market continues as they add another climber to squad with signing of Australian rider
CyclingThursday, 13 August 2026 at 13:30
Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team have already confirmed two marquee signings for the 2027 season, with Mauro Schmid and Pavel Bittner to join Tom Pidcock's fast expanding squad over winter. Now, they've bolstered their climbing ranks with an Australian enjoying a successful season.
The ProTeam have now added Sebastian Berwick to their squad, joining from Caja Rural - Seguros RGA on a two-year deal. With multiple riders also leaving the team, the 26-year-old's arrival signals a strengthening of their climbing roster.
Berwick has been in fine form in 2026 with top tens in the Tour of Oman and Tour of Slovenia while he won the general classification at the Tour of Turkey in May. Berwick was also part of the Spanish team's Tour de France line-up last month, making it into two breakaways in week two and three of La Grand Boucle.
Speaking after his announcement, Berwick said he enjoys the responsibilities that can come from his move, attributing his climbing ability as a major factor in his acquisition.
Sebastian Berwick
Berwick felt Pinarello Q36.5 was the right next step
"I see myself first as a climber, but I enjoy having responsibility as a leader as much as I enjoy working for somebody else and helping the Team win," Berwick said in a social media announcement of the transfer.
Expressing his desire to take victories and make the leap to the next level, Berwick believes that Pinarello Q36.5 is the logical next step for his career after three seasons at Caja Rural.
He added: "Joining Pinarello Q36.5 feels like the right next step for me. I want to win, but I also want to win with good people around me."
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Pinarello reportedly set to sign two young prospects
Meanwhile, latest reports point to the team signing two young prospects as they're set to hand first professional contracts to the pair of Niels Driesen and Liam O'Brien.
According to Wielerflits, Lotto Groupe - Wanty rider Driesen has opted to join the ProTeam after the 20-year-old impressed over the past 18 months. The 20-year-old had reportedly received an offer to step up to their Lotto-Intermarche structure.
He has represented the Lotto-Intermarche team on several occasions this season, including Tour of Oman and Vuelta a Burgos. He also took overall victory in the U23 Ronde de l'Isard in May.
Lidl-Trek development rider O'Brien is also reported to be on the way to Pinarello. With a second and fourth place overall finish in the Ronde de l'Isard in 2025 and 2026 respectively, the Irish rider has a bright future.
The 21-year-old is in his third season with Lidl-Trek Future Racing and has represented the World Tour outfit at this year's AlUla Tour as well as Tour of the Alps and Gran Piemonte among other races. As well as showcasing strong climbing potential, O'Brien is also a talented time triallist.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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