The Swiss second division crew Q36.5 are aiming to make their Grand Tour debut through a wildcard slot at Might’s Giro d’Italia, crew boss Doug Ryder has mentioned, with the Vuelta a España additionally of their – and Tom Pidcock‘s – sights.
The crew is aiming excessive heading into their third 12 months at ProTeam stage, having introduced multi-discipline star Pidcock aboard after the Brit broke his Ineos Grenadiers contract three seasons early.
Whereas Q36.5 has, over the previous two seasons, taken half in quite a few WorldTour occasions – together with Strade Bianche, Paris-Roubaix, the Critérium du Dauphiné, and the Tour de Suisse – they’ve but to race a Grand Tour.
Ryder, who beforehand oversaw the now-defunct Qhubeka/Dimension Information crew, instructed WielerFlits that they are hoping to race the Giro this 12 months, with the Vuelta a España additionally of their sights and a Tour de France debut the purpose for 2026.
“We now have massive ambitions, regardless that we’re the one crew within the high 25 of the UCI Rating that has not ridden in a Grand Tour within the final two seasons,” Ryder mentioned. “We wish a greater rating, to trip extra vital races.
“A wildcard for the Giro d’Italia is probably the most sensible now, with our Italian companions. However the Vuelta a España would even be improbable. Our massive purpose is to be in the beginning of the Tour de France in 2026. Due to the numerous phases we [Qhubeka – Ed.] have received and the yellow jersey, we all know that worth.”
Wildcard spots for the Grand Excursions have but to be introduced, although all three races normally announce them throughout January and February. The highest two-ranked ProTeams from 2024 – Lotto and Israel-Premier Tech – obtain computerized invitations to all WorldTour races this season, although the Belgian squad have already opted out of the Giro, opening a 3rd spot Q36.5 will hope to take.
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Ryder mentioned that his crew hasn’t but acquired invites from the massive organisers ASO and RCS Sport, however with Pidcock on board, Q36.5 will probably spend plenty of time at WorldTour races in 2025.
“Commitments for main races are missing for now. In addition to, Tom can not begin all over the place; we respect his selections,” Ryder mentioned. “The massive distinction now could be that folks name me, as a substitute of me calling to ask for a wildcard.
“A very powerful races merely need the very best riders, for the very best present. With Tom on board, we get the possibility to find our potential for the subsequent WorldTour cycle of 2026-2028.
“In any case, I shall be at RCS Sport for the Giro on Monday and I hope to know extra then. And just lately Tom himself was on the presentation of the Vuelta route.”
Ryder, Pidcock, and the crew have lofty ambitions, however the supervisor acknowledged that this season may even be one among transition. He admitted that the crew probably will not make the WorldTour in 2026 as Lotto and Israel paved the way within the rankings. For now, making their mark on the Classics and one, or each, of these Grand Excursions is the purpose.
“However 2025 is principally a giant transition 12 months. We’re primarily taking a look at Arkéa-B&B Lodges and XDS-Astana, however we additionally know that we are going to not be a WorldTour crew subsequent 12 months due to our deficit to Lotto and Israel-Premier Tech,” Ryder mentioned.
“We do know what we wish and can deal with that. Our program runs till March. Tom desires to make his mark within the classifications. He desires to be within the high 5 on this planet. After Opening Weekend, we’ll work with him in direction of the Ardennes Classics.
“We are going to attempt to win phases on the Giro. On the Vuelta, we’ll go for the classification with Tom. That’s our ambition and Tom desires that too. We imagine in that potential.”
