Ciccone will ride with Pidcock at Pinarello-Q36.5 after sudden departure from Lidl: 'A proven winner, an experienced leader'

"After eight years with the same team, this is a big decision, but one I really wanted to make. I feel like I still have a lot to offer, and I needed a new challenge, new motivation, and an environment where I would feel at home," said the runner-up at the European Championships.

"From the very first time we met, I sensed that something was different. It wasn't just about numbers, results, or technical discussions. I truly felt trust and appreciation, and that the people behind this project genuinely wanted me to be a part of it. For me, the human side of a team comes first. I work from the heart, and the people around me give me energy."

"As an Italian, the connection with Pinarello and Q36.5 also means a lot to me. I’m also really looking forward to racing alongside Tom Pidcock," Ciccone says, looking ahead. “I’ve always admired him, not only for his talent, but also because he’s a rider who thinks differently and isn’t afraid to do things his own way. I hope we can bring something extra to each other and build something special together.”

"To all the fans who have supported me over the years, I want to say that I truly believe in this change. I still have the same passion, the same hunger, and the same desire to give it my all on the bike. Now it’s time to take that energy with me into a new chapter,” the Italian adds in his characteristic style.

Team boss Doug Ryder is thrilled with his latest addition. “Giulio is a driver who possesses something you can’t create: character, instinct, and a genuine passion for racing. He has proven over the years that he can compete with the very best, and what excites me so much is that he still has the ambition to keep pushing himself further.”

"What really matters to us is why he chose this team. He recognised the people, the ambition, and the environment we're building. That's important, because our team philosophy isn't just about providing the riders with the best equipment. It’s about bringing the right people together, building trust, and giving them everything they need to perform at their highest level.”

"With Giulio, we're getting a proven winner, an experienced leader, and someone who can really make a difference when the competition gets tougher," said Ryder, who has previously signed players such as Mauro Schmid, AJ August, Davide Ballerini, and Pavel Bittner. “We’re building a team where experience, talent, and innovation go hand in hand. Giulio is a key part of that future, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”