Giulio Ciccone joins Tom Pidcock at Pinarello-Q36.5 after surprise Lidl-Trek exit

Pinarello Q36.5 have confirmed the long-awaited signing of Giulio Ciccone after the Italian and Lidl-Trek reached a mutual decision to part ways last week.

On the eve of Il Lombardia, last Friday, Lidl-Trek confirmed that the Italian would bring his eight-year spell with the team to an end at the Autumn Monument despite his contract running through until the end of 2029. 

In his final outing for Lidl-Trek in Lombardy, Ciccone capped his time with the German team in style, by finishing in third, for the second time in his career. 

Just two days later, Pinarello Q36.5 confirmed the arrival of the 31-year-old Italian on a deal running from 1 January 2027 until the end of 2029.

"After eight years with the same team, this is a big decision, but one I genuinely wanted to make. I feel I still have a lot to give, and I needed a new challenge, fresh motivation and an environment where I could feel at home," Ciccone said in the team's announcement.

"From our very first meeting, I felt something different. It wasn't just about numbers, results or technical discussions. I felt real trust and appreciation, and that the people behind this project genuinely wanted me here."

Ciccone also revealed that the opportunity to race alongside Tom Pidcock played a significant role in his excitement about the move.

"I'm also really looking forward to racing alongside Tom Pidcock. I've always admired him, not only because of his talent, but because he's a rider who thinks differently and isn't afraid to do things his own way. I hope we can bring something extra to each other and build something special together."

Ciccone becomes the Swiss team's eleventh confirmed arrival for 2027, joining a growing list of signings that includes Andrew August, Davide Ballerini, Sebastian Berwick, Pavel Bittner, Jan Castellon, Tom Crabbe, Niels Driesen, Ethan Hayter, Liam O'Brien and Mauro Schmid.

The transfer marks the end of an era for Ciccone and Lidl-Trek, a partnership that began in 2019 and saw the Italian establish himself as one of the team's leading riders.

During his eight seasons with Lidl-Trek, Ciccone claimed ten victories, including Giro d'Italia stage wins in 2019 and 2022, as well as the Donostia San Sebastián Klasikoa in 2025.

He also won the mountains classification at the Giro in 2019 and 2026, and at the Tour de France in 2023.

Ciccone wore the yellow jersey for two days at the 2019 Tour de France before adding another significant milestone this season, wearing the Giro's pink jersey for the first time.

His final campaign with Lidl-Trek also saw him finish runner-up at the European Road Championships before claiming third place at Il Lombardia.

For Pinarello-Q36.5, the arrival of Ciccone represents another major statement of intent as the Swiss ProTeam continue to build an increasingly ambitious squad around Tom Pidcock.

The two riders have frequently found themselves competing at the sharp end of major races, but will now have the opportunity to combine their attacking strengths in the same team.

Team Principal Douglas Ryder believes Ciccone brings far more than just results to the project.

"Giulio is a rider who brings something you cannot manufacture: character, instinct and a genuine passion for racing. He has spent years proving himself against the very best, and what excites me is that he still has the hunger to push further," Ryder said.

"With Giulio, we gain a proven winner, an experienced leader and someone who can make a real difference when races become selective."