Pinarello Q36.5's incredible transfer window rolls on - Ten new signings as Tom Pidcock's team look set to top it off with blockbuster deal
Cycling
Pinarello Q36.5 are enjoying one of the most ambitious and active transfer windows in recent cycling history, adding ten new signings in an impressive show of strength, bolstering several pillars of their team ahead of the 2027 season.
With ten new arrivals, the ProTeam have added strength in depth including Grand Tour stage winners, classics specialists, an up and coming sprinter and a top under-23 rider to their ranks - with one big signing potentially on the horizon.
While still a ProTeam, Tom Pidcock's arrival ahead of the 2025 season has been a game changer for the team as they continue to grow. They currently sit 16th in the UCI team rankings and are set to continue to climb with high-profile arrivals.
Breaking down their arrivals in the 2026 season as well as this winter's reinforcements, it's likely that the team can progress to the WorldTour in the coming seasons as they move forward in the promotion race this season.
Giulio Ciccone is heavily linked with a transfer to Pinarello
New arrivals add to growing squad
After Pidcock's transfer to the team, they signalled their intent with high-profile signings including Fred Wright, Chris Harper and Irish duo Eddie Dunbar and Sam Bennett. With results continue to improve this season, Pidcock has also enjoyed a rich vein of form.
With some big names arriving over winter, Pidcock's back-up is set to rise up a level. Mauro Schmid arrives fresh off the back of a strong Tour de France and classics campaign. The Swiss rider also brings a substantial UCI points haul of almost 3000 this season as he hopes to continue his progression.
Promising sprinter Pavel Bittner joins as he looks to break through into sprinting's top tier. Elsewhere, INEOS's in-form prospect Andrew August also joins the team after picking up his first WorldTour win at Itzulia Basque Country and an overall victory at the Czech Tour.
The team's stage racing unit will likely be bolstered by Jan Castellon and Sebastian Berwick joining. Tom Crabbe comes from Team Flanders - Baloise with five victories in 2026 while experienced WorldTour riders Davide Ballerini and Ethan Hayter bring measurable versatility and reliability to their ranks.
As well as established riders and rising stars, the team have also offered first professional deals for Belgium under-23 prospect Niels Driesen and young Irish climber Liam O'Brien, demonstrating a long-term vision for the team. However, perhaps the cherry on top is yet to come.
Giulio Ciccone heavily linked with team
Giulio Ciccone had a contract running with Lidl-Trek all the way into the end of the 2029 season. That contract has now been broken, with the two reaching an agreement to part ways as Ciccone is primed to make a move towards Pinarello.
"After eight seasons together, the Team and Giulio have reached the mutual decision to part ways, which means Il Lombardia will be the Italian’s final race in Lidl-Trek colours," Lidl-Trek announced in a press release.
"We want to thank Giulio for all he has done for the team and wish him all the best for the future".
With transfer links between Ciccone and the team, as well as three open spots currently on their confirmed roster for the 2027 season, the Italian would represent a major deal for the team.
In 2026 alone, Ciccone took home the Giro d'Italia King of the Mountains jersey as well as top tens in Clasica San Sebastian, GP de Quebec, GP de Montreal and the World Championships before his silver medal at the European Championships last weekend.
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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leedorney10-10-2026 - Why? The other guys skipped it, maybe they decided the rest would give them a better chance now so they’re not really racing on equal terms.Jumpyjohn10-10-2026
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