Pinarello Q36.5 name Tour de France team to support Tom Pidcock: 'Next step in the team’s development'
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Follow us on GoogleBetter late than never. As the last of the 23 teams, Pinarello-Q36.5 announced its line-up for the 2026 Tour de France on Wednesday afternoon. The team is led by Tom Pidcock and will be making its debut a the Tour de France,. “Eight riders, one mission: to make history in the Tour de France,” reads the announcement.
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Article summary:
- Tom Pidcock will lead the Swiss-based team, with ambitions for the GC
- Fred Wright, Quinten Hermans, Xandro Meurisse, Brent Van Moer, Xabier Mikel Azparren and Australian Chris Harper make up the rest of the team
- The Tour de France is a major milestone for the team: "The Tour de France was a clear goal for this project from day one," said team manager Douglas Ryder
So let’s start with Pidcock, whose arrival on the team kicked off the rapid development the squad has undergone. The team was founded less than three years ago and is now already making its debut in the Tour de France. “Participating in the Tour de France is an important milestone—not so much as a final destination, but as the next step in a long journey driven by performance, innovation, and the ambition to compete at the very highest level of the sport.”
With Pidcock, the team has a rider who already knows what it’s like to win the Tour. "The team has assembled a versatile roster around him that can perform on any terrain, with proven Grand Tour experience and riders who can support the leader, attack breakaways, and compete for stage wins throughout the three weeks," according to Pinarello-Q36.5.
So who are they? First of all, Fred Wright, who just last week became the British road champion. There’s also room for three Belgians: Quinten Hermans, Xandro Meurisse, and Brent Van Moer. Spaniard Xabier Mikel Azparren and Australian Chris Harper round out the lineup. A very offensive lineup, indeed!
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Ryder sees his team's participation in the Tour de France as an important step
That’s also what team manager Douglas Ryder concluded. “We’re bringing a group that combines experience, versatility, and the right mindset. Our approach is simple: we race proactively, look for opportunities every day, and make sure we’re in the mix throughout all three weeks.”
"The Tour de France has been a clear goal for this project from day one," Ryder continued. "The fact that we’re now at the starting line is an important step, but even more important is that it reflects the consistency of the work that has gone into building this team. This milestone goes far beyond the selection of the eight riders."
As the team manager knows: “This is the result of years of dedication from the staff, the trust within the organization, and the support of our partners Q36.5, Pinarello, UBS, and many others who have contributed to an environment where performance can flourish. It’s important that we’re here, but for us, this isn’t the end goal. It’s the next step in the team’s development.”
Pinarello Q36.5 team - 2026 Tour de France
David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
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