Mauro Schmid, seventh in the 2026 UCI ranking, lands major transfer but also reunites with the man who discovered him

It had been in the pipeline for some time, but the deal has now been officially completed: Mauro Schmid will leave Jayco AlUla for Pinarello-Q36.5. The Swiss rider will represent the Swiss-rooted team for at least the next three years, cashing in on his excellent performances this spring with a lucrative contract.

Schmid is enjoying an outstanding 2026 season. He finished second at both the Tour Down Under and La Flèche Wallonne, while he also claimed a stage victory at the Tour de France in addition to two further runner-up finishes. He also won the Muscat Classic, the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali and a stage of the Tour of Oman. Those results, together with several other strong finishes, have lifted him to seventh place in the 2026 UCI ranking.

According to transfer specialist Daniel Benson, Pinarello-Q36.5 had prepared a three-year contract worth €2 million per season. The team is run by Doug Ryder, the man who gave Schmid—then still primarily a mountain biker—his opportunity to turn professional with MTN-Qhubeka in 2021. That same year, Ryder watched him win a gravel stage at the Giro d’Italia.

“Doug gave me the opportunity to turn professional, so there was already a strong connection,” Schmid said in the announcement. “But what really convinced me was seeing how much the team has evolved over the last two or three seasons. Especially as a Swiss rider, becoming part of this project makes it even more special.”

“Every season I’ve managed to take another step forward, but I still feel I haven’t reached my full potential,” added the Swiss rider. “I want to become an even more complete rider, improve my time trial and continue closing the gap in the biggest one-day races. I believe this environment gives me everything I need to keep progressing.”

“What really makes this project different is how closely the team works with its partners. You’re not simply receiving equipment—you have the opportunity to give feedback, contribute to development and help improve the products,” said Schmid, who spent three seasons with Jayco AlUla.

“Having brands so closely integrated into the team means you always have access to the very best equipment while also helping shape the next generation of products. That’s something I’m genuinely excited about.”

Ryder is naturally delighted with his latest signing, who could form a formidable partnership with Tom Pidcock in the biggest races. “As a Swiss rider joining a Swiss team, there is a natural connection that makes this signing particularly meaningful.”

“We believe our environment, working hand in hand with partners, will give Mauro every opportunity to continue developing, while his experience and feedback will help us continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team,” Ryder said on August 1, the first day on which cycling’s transfer market officially opened.