Among the ProTeams, there is a mix of ambition and strategy to move up to the WorldTour level, the pinnacle of road cycling. One of the teams that has been in the spotlight is Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, an ambitious Swiss project that has caught the attention of the cycling community. However, the team has made it clear that it is in no rush to acquire a UCI WorldTour license anytime soon.
Aart Vierhouten, team manager, recently explained that Q36.5 Pro Cycling has no intention of making the jump to the WorldTour in 2024, as he believes it would be too soon. This approach, rather than rushing towards an elite license, is based on a gradual and planned development strategy.
The idea behind Q36.5 Pro Cycling is a long-term project that has been patiently building. The team has set out a six-year plan, starting from its inception, with the intention of growing step by step in financial and sporting terms. According to Vierhouten, the main ambition is to be among the top three ProTeams by the end of 2025.
"Only after the fourth year, i.e. in 2026, is there the ambition to advance to WorldTour level. By 2028, that has to be a reality anyway. We want our riders to grow towards that, just like Alpecin-Deceuninck did very naturally," the team manager explained. This gradual development perspective focused on the growth of its riders reflects a strategic approach to sports management that values the preparation and adaptation time of cyclists before they make the leap to the highest level of professional cycling.
One of the reasons Q36.5 Pro Cycling has been at the center of talks is its financial backing. The main investor behind the team is Ivan Glasenberg, whose net worth is estimated at $8.8 billion according to Forbes. In addition, last summer, Glasenberg acquired the Pinarello bicycle brand for €200 million, leading to speculation about his possible foray into the WorldTour through his association with the team.
However, the decision not to make the jump to the WorldTour in the short term is a sign of Q36.5 Pro Cycling's commitment to its long-term strategic plan and the desire to build a solid and sustainable team before facing the demands of the top tier of world cycling.
While the team remains firm in its decision not to seek a WorldTour license in 2024, it continues to keep a close eye on the situation in the cycling world, particularly possible mergers and moves in other teams. The focus is on gradual growth and providing opportunities for its riders while building a strong and competitive team on the international stage.
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