'It's better to have two spirited riders than one' - Pinarello-Q36.5 play down risk of Ciccone-Pidcock rivalry in 2027

Pinarello-Q36.5 have strengthened their team significantly for 2027, but they do not see a risk of internal rivalry between leader Tom Pidcock and major new signing Giulio Ciccone.

Both riders are successful Classics contenders and stage race riders, and they raced each other at the World Championships in Canada. They are also direct and outspoken when necessary. However sports director Gabriele Missaglia is looking forward to having them both in the 2027 team roster.

"I’d rather have two spirited riders than one," Missaglia told BiciPro. "In my view, both should see the positive side of things. For me, and for them, not having all the pressure on a sole rider can be an advantage. Sharing the responsibilities, even in the same race, is better, not just tactically but also in terms of managing the pressure.

"We are a team, and we’ll always strive to work as a team in the best possible way. Perhaps one day we’ll ride in support of one of them, and another time in support of the other. We’ll figure it out. I don’t foresee any issues with them working together."

Pidcock's career trajectory points higher after his 2025 Vuelta a España podium finish and Classics results, but Ciccone's palmares includes the Donostia San Sebastian Klasikoa and Monument podiums. He has also won the mountains classification in the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France.

It'll be Missaglia's responsibility to decide their goals and race programmes for 2027.

"I think they’ll race together on some occasions," he said. "Perhaps only Ciccone will ride Tirreno-Adriatico but I’d like to see both of them at the start of Milan-Sanremo. It depends on many factors. But everything is still a work in progress. We’ll start shaping that during our upcoming training camp in Spain." 

Ciccone's transfer from Lild-Trek to Pinarello-Q36.5 was only confirmed in October, after the 2026 season. The 30-year-old Italian ended a lucrative deal with the German WorldTour team for a three-year deal with Pinarello-Q36.5.

Lidl-Trek are going through major changes, including Andy Schleck taking over from Luca Guercilena as CEO and so Ciccone opted to break his contract and move to Pinarello-Q36.5.

Ciccone took the Giro leader's jersey on stage 5 but then lost after just one day due to team strategy and a lack of climbing support. That was perhaps a turning point in his decision to leave the team.

"Giulio is certainly motivated. If a rider breaks a multi-year contract with a team like Lidl-Trek, to join us, it's a sign he's up for the challenge," Missaglia said.

"The team is all new for Giulio but there are Italian staff and he was welcomed with open arms. We all know he's open and a straight talker. That's the kind of people I like to work with."