It had been in the air, but now it's official: Pinarello is joining Q36.5 as both bike and title sponsor. The team will be called Pinarello-Q36.5. This was confirmed by the squad in a press release.
Last season, the riders of Q36.5 rode Scott bikes, but next year that will change to Pinarello. Meanwhile, Pinarello continues to sponsor INEOS Grenadiers, which has collaborated with the Italian bike brand for years.
Pinarello's partnership with Q36.5 comes as no surprise. Fausto Pinarello, chairman of the Italian bike manufacturer, already hinted at a collaboration in early October. Moreover, the squad led by Tom Pidcock, under the name Pinarello-Q36.5, has applied for a WorldTour license for the upcoming three-year period.
The ties between the ProTeam and the bike brand are close. For example, team leader Tom Pidcock still rides a Pinarello for gravel and mountain bike races after leaving INEOS Grenadiers. The Brit is glad to now always be able to use the Italian bike again. "It really feels like coming home," he said in a statement. "I've always enjoyed riding their bikes and over the years I've built such a strong bond with the brand. It's the perfect reunion."
Douglas Ryder, general manager of the cycling team, calls it "a great honor" to have Pinarello as title sponsor. "Their history, passion, and technical expertise will improve our riders and raise our ambitions in the years ahead," he said.
WorldTour license?
For now, Pinarello-Q36.5 appears set to continue racing as a ProTeam next year. The application for a WorldTour license does not automatically mean the Swiss-based squad will make the step up. On the UCI ranking, they are not among the top 18 teams, so it remains to be seen if an additional spot opens up in the WorldTour.
