“With Tom at the start, everything changed for us” – Pinarello Q36.5 praise committed Tom Pidcock after late call-up delivers crucial Eschborn-Frankfurt result

For the Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, the decision of Tom Pidcock to line up at Eschborn-Frankfurt was not just a late addition to the programme. It fundamentally changed how they approached a race that proved far more selective than in previous years.

The 2026 edition was shaped by a strong early breakaway that built an advantage of over seven minutes, before the repeated climbs, including the double ascent of the Mammolshainer Stich, began to fracture the race.

A late solo move from Tim Wellens further animated the finale, but he was brought back just before the final ascent, setting up a decisive selection that left a reduced front group to fight for victory.

From that group of twelve, Pidcock would ultimately sprint to second place behind Georg Zimmermann, with the peloton closing to within seconds at the line.

“With Tom at the start, everything changed for us,” sports director Jens Zemke explained in a team press release. “I already said in the morning that we had to take leadership and responsibility for the race, and that’s exactly what we did.”

That intent translated directly into the race situation. As the early break stretched its advantage beyond seven minutes, Pinarello Q36.5 were among the teams to take control of the peloton, working to bring the gap down ahead of the decisive climbs.

“When the five riders in the break had around seven and a half minutes, we started to control the race with Xavier. He rode strongly until kilometre 100, which was impressive, and did a really good job keeping things under control. After that, we continued as a team, with everyone contributing and maintaining the pressure.”

Their pacing helped ensure the breakaway never gained an insurmountable advantage, keeping the race within reach heading into the final hour.

While the team committed early, Pidcock himself built into the race as the pace intensified over the climbs. “I tried to motivate the guys for the final, and Tom really grew into the race — he got better and better. At the beginning he was a bit hesitant, but in the final he was sharp and fully present.”

That progression came at a key moment. On the final ascent of the Mammolshainer Stich, where the race split definitively, Pidcock was able to follow the decisive moves and position himself in the front group. “He made it into the front group of 12 riders on the last ascent of the Mammolshainer Stich, which was exactly where we wanted him to be.”

Behind, the peloton was still within striking distance, but the lack of cohesion allowed the front group to maintain a narrow advantage heading into the flat run-in to Frankfurt.

Inside the final 20 kilometres, cooperation in the lead group began to falter, with several riders skipping turns as the threat of a late catch from the peloton loomed.

Despite that hesitation, the group held on by a slim margin, entering the final kilometres with only a small gap as the bunch rapidly closed from behind. “In the final, Tom was first out of the last corner, but then George came from behind and overtook him.”

Positioning out of that final corner proved decisive. Zimmermann launched from behind and surged past to take the victory, while Pidcock held on for second as the peloton arrived just seconds later.

Despite the narrow defeat, the performance was viewed internally as a major positive given the context of Pidcock’s recent racing block and recovery from injury. “Of course, Tom is a bit disappointed, but we have a lot of respect for what he did today. We all know where he’s coming from in terms of his injury, so it’s a very strong result.”

The ride not only delivered a podium finish but also underlined his ability to compete deep into a demanding race despite not being at full sharpness.

“Full credit also to the team — it was a really strong collective performance.” That collective approach was central to the outcome. By taking responsibility in the peloton, committing to the chase and placing their leader in the decisive move, Pinarello Q36.5 ensured they were racing for the win rather than reacting to events.

In the end, the result reflected both individual commitment and team execution. A late call-up, a rider still building back to full condition and a demanding schedule might have suggested a quieter outing.

Instead, they left Frankfurt with a podium, valuable UCI points, and confirmation that Pidcock’s form, and influence within the team, is moving firmly in the right direction.