Ambitious new Greek cycling team takes shape as surprise Pinarello-Q36.5 link emerges

A new name could soon be joining the professional peloton. Behind the scenes, plans are developing for a cycling team based in Greece, with the long-term objective of climbing the sport's professional hierarchy.

The project first came to light when Alex Carera, the prominent cycling agent best known for representing Tadej Pogačar, discussed the plans during an appearance on Italian television programme RadioCorsa.

Carera named experienced team manager Marco Bellini and recently retired WorldTour rider Kevin Colleoni as the two Italians set to lead the project, suggesting that its ambitions extend well beyond Continental level.

"They will be at the helm of a project that will be talked about in the cycling world for a long time," Carera said. "They will grow step by step, but they have the qualities and potential to bring prestige to our sport."

It remains unclear whether Carera himself has any involvement in the project.

While the team's official identity remains under wraps, further details are beginning to emerge.

According to Italian cycling publication Bicisport, Greek electricity company PPC is believed to be behind the initiative, providing the potential financial foundation for a long-term project.

The team is expected to enter the peloton in 2027 at UCI Continental level, with the intention of eventually progressing to ProTeam status.

Bellini, who previously worked alongside the late Gianni Savio and more recently helped lead the Mexican-based Petrolike project, is reportedly set to become general manager.

Colleoni, meanwhile, is expected to move into a sports director role after ending his professional racing career following the 2025 season. The Italian spent five seasons at WorldTour level, racing for BikeExchange-Jayco and Intermarché-Wanty.

Carera also explained why the Greek backers had turned to Italian expertise.

"The Greeks chose Italy because, despite all the criticism directed at Italian cycling, Italian management and staff remain at the forefront," he told RadioCorsa.

According to Bicisport, the new Greek squad could also become the development team of Pinarello-Q36.5 in 2027.

The Swiss ProTeam has been without a development squad since closing its previous setup at the end of 2024. Such an agreement would give Pinarello-Q36.5 a dedicated Continental team again, allowing younger riders to gain racing experience before making the step up.

A potential partnership comes as Pinarello-Q36.5 looks to secure WorldTour status for 2029, when the current three-year UCI ranking cycle concludes. The Swiss team has made an impressive start, finishing 2026 in 12th place in the UCI team rankings, ahead of six current WorldTour squads.

For the Greek project, which reportedly aims to progress to ProTeam level in the coming years, the partnership would provide a link to an established organisation with ambitions of reaching cycling's highest tier.

Neither team has confirmed the arrangement, although Bicisport reports that preparations for the new squad are already at an advanced stage, with official announcements expected in the coming weeks.