“What are your goals, what do you want to achieve” – Milan Vader hungry in new challenge alongside Tom Pidcock at Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team

Milan Vader has left Team Visma | Lease a Bike to join the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, where he will now be teammates with Tom Pidcock. Reflecting on the move, Vader shared his enthusiasm and positive impressions of his new team.

"It's super exciting. I feel really positive. Of course you try to do as much research as possible before you choose a team, but there is always an element of surprise. But I am really positively surprised. The atmosphere in the team is super good, very friendly, open, a real unity without big egos. At the same time it is extremely professional. Honestly more than I expected," Vader told cycling journalist Daniel Benson.

Vader highlighted the team’s approach as a key factor in his decision. "It's the big picture of course. I think the team is on the rise, a sign that they're doing the right things. I had a really good conversation and just got a good feeling about it. Of course it's about performance and numbers, but they also look at the person behind the athlete. They do that here with everything, and that feels good."

Reflecting on his 2024 season, Vader admitted he struggled to reach the pinnacle of his performance. "I did not really struggle last year, in general I had a very good level. But I missed that peak, that one top day or that one big result. There are several reasons. I said too often: 'Don't worry, I work for you'."

When discussing his move to Q36.5, Vader appreciated the team's focus on his personal goals. "What I really appreciated about this team is that they asked me: 'What are your goals, what do you want to achieve?' I said: 'I have something in mind, but what do you want?' And they said: 'No, no, that doesn't matter, what do you want?' I thought that was great."