Project Pidcock: Tour de France & Pogačar Pursuit – Year 2
Published January 20, 2026 08:22AM
Tom Pidcock is raising the stakes in 2026 as he enters a pivotal second season with Pinarello Q36.5, and the calendar points straight toward repeated showdowns with world No. 1 Tadej Pogačar.
Following a breakthrough first year after his high-profile split with Ineos Grenadiers, the 26-year-old British rider opens 2026 with renewed momentum, a deeper team around him, and a big circle around the Tour de France.
With pinarello Q36.5 still awaiting what it hopes will be a first-ever Tour invitation, Pidcock confirmed his spring program. Nearly every major target put him on a direct collision course with Pogačar.
“My schedule stays quite similar to previous years, but adding in some new races to keep things fresh,” Pidcock said. “But also to give time to training blocks and periodisation to make sure I am ready for the races that matter most.”
Pidcock opens his season in February at the Vuelta Ciclista a la Región de Murcia on February 13-14, before Clásica Jaén on February 16 on the gravel
Pinarello Q36.5 Team Roster for 2026
The Pinarello Q36.5 team has undergone meaningful changes for the 2026 season, bolstering its roster with several high-profile riders from other WorldTour teams. This follows a successful 2025 for Tom pidcock, including competing closely with Tadej Pogačar at Strade Bianche and a third-place finish at the Vuelta a España.
Rider Acquisitions for 2026
The team made nine new signings, all originating from WorldTour level competition. Key additions include:
* Sam Bennett (from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale): A proven sprinter expected to add significant firepower to the team’s finishing capabilities.
* Xandro Meurisse & Quinten Hermans (from Alpecin-Deceuninck): These riders will provide support in Classics and Ardennes races.
* Eddie Dunbar & Chris Harper (from Jayco AlUla): Reinforcements for climbing stages and general classification ambitions.
* Fred Wright (from Bahrain Victorious): A versatile rider capable of strong performances in various terrains.
* Aimé De Gendt (from Cofidis): A breakaway specialist known for aggressive racing tactics.
* Brent Van Moer (from Lotto): A rouleur expected to contribute to controlling the peloton.
* Thomas Gloag (from Visma-Lease a bike): A rising talent with potential for general classification success.
* Emmanuel Houcou (from Arkéa-B&B Hôtels Continentale): A French all-rounder adding depth to the team.
Tom Pidcock and Team Ambitions
Pinarello Q36.5 has publicly stated its ambition to compete for major victories, with Tom Pidcock positioned as the central figure in thier strategy.The team recognizes the challenge of overcoming Tadej Pogačar to achieve these goals.
Verification Status (as of 2026/01/20 15:28:10):
Facts regarding team transfers for the 2026 season is still developing. While numerous cycling news outlets reported on potential transfers throughout late 2025, official team announcements are the definitive source. As of this date, the reported signings align with information available from preliminary reports, but confirmation from the team itself is crucial.
* Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale: Official Website
* Alpecin-Deceuninck: Official Website
* Jayco AlUla: Official Website
* Bahrain Victorious: Official Website
* Cofidis: Official website
* Lotto: Official Website
* Visma-Lease a Bike: Official Website
* Arkéa-B&B Hôtels Continentale: Official Website
* Pinarello Q36.5: official Website