“A rider who can do really well” - Tom Pidcock relishing Il Lombardia debut as Q36.5 talk up their leader’s chances

Tom Pidcock is preparing to make his long-awaited debut at Il Lombardia this weekend, with Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team backing their British star to deliver a strong performance in the season’s final Monument.

For Pidcock, Saturday’s race represents the final piece in the Monuments puzzle — the last of cycling’s five most prestigious one-day races he has yet to contest. And though he may be a debutant, his ambition for the 238-kilometre Classic is clear.

“It’s my first time racing Il Lombardia, so it’s a new experience for me,” Pidcock said in the team’s official press release. “I haven’t done many of these late-season races before, but I’ve really enjoyed them this year, even if I’m feeling a bit of fatigue from a long season. It’s obviously a very demanding race with lots of climbing, and it’s going to be an attritional day. Staying fuelled, keeping cool, and maintaining good positioning will all be key.”

The race begins in Como and finishes in Bergamo, featuring the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo climb early on and the brutal Passo di Ganda as the final major ascent. It’s a route that sports director Gabriele Missaglia believes could suit Pidcock perfectly. “Il Lombardia is always a special day, a proud moment. This year it’s even more special because with Tom we have a rider who can do really well,” Missaglia explained. “We did the recon of the last 150 kilometres on Wednesday. Tom feels good after Tuesday’s race where he sadly punctured at one kilometre to go. We also have a great team to support him.”

The team’s line-up for Lombardia is built around Pidcock, with Xabier Mikel Azparren, Gianluca Brambilla, Walter Calzoni, Marcel Camprubi, Milan Vader and Nick Zukowsky providing support. Missaglia, who hails from the Lombardy region, knows the parcours intimately and expects a selective race.

“I think this version is harder than the one with finish in Como. I know all the climbs and they are not easy, especially not Passo di Ganda,” he said. “I feel that the race might already explode on the Roncola, after 100 kilometres, so it’s important we have someone in the early break ready to anticipate. The others stay close to Tom as long as possible.”

Pidcock has already taken five victories this season, including an impressive podium at Vuelta a Espana last month, underlining his growing stature in the peloton. Lombardia will not be his final appearance of the year, as he is set to travel straight to Maastricht to take on UCI Gravel World Championships the following day.

“The Gravel World Championships is also something I’m really looking forward to,” Pidcock added. “My main focus is of course on Il Lombardia, but I’ll stay sharp for an extra day — especially with the beautiful new Pinarello gravel bike I get to ride. I’m looking forward to doing well in the race.”

For Q36.5, their presence at Lombardia caps a breakthrough season that saw the team earn invitations to all five Monuments and two Grand Tours. But on Saturday, all eyes will be on Tom Pidcock — the marquee name who could yet end the year with a statement ride on one of cycling’s grandest stages.

Tom Pidcock
Xabier Mikel Azparren
Gianluca Brambilla
Walter Calzoni
Marcel Camprubi
Milan Vader
Nick Zukowsky