‘It’s not a money conversation’ - Ryder rejects Schmid salary claims as Pinarello-Q36.5 builds around Pidcock

Pinarello-Q36.5 has emerged as one of the most ambitious teams in the transfer market ahead of 2027, recruiting established winners from the WorldTour despite competing at ProTeam level.

Among its biggest signings is Mauro Schmid, who joins on a three-year contract after a standout 2026 season that included a Tour de France stage victory.

Daniel Benson reported in May that Pinarello-Q36.5 had offered Schmid around €2 million per season, a figure his current team, Jayco AlUla, reportedly could not match.

Speaking on the Domestique Hotseat, however, Ryder rejected the suggestion that his team had secured Schmid's signature simply by offering more money.

"It's not a money conversation, it's a value conversation," Ryder said.

"Did we pay more than anybody else? No. Is it around value? Yes. Is he Swiss? Are we Swiss registered? Yes."

Ryder pointed to Schmid's existing relationship with the team. The 26-year-old turned professional with Ryder's former Qhubeka Assos squad and claimed his first professional victory on the gravel stage to Montalcino at the 2021 Giro d'Italia.

That familiarity, Ryder argued, was central to his decision to return.

"We had a conversation around his goals, objectives, what he wants to still achieve and would we be the right fit for him," he explained.

Ryder's denial does not establish whether Pinarello-Q36.5 offered Schmid more than Jayco AlUla. But it underlines the message the team is keen to project: that its growing appeal extends beyond financial resources.

Schmid's arrival also raises questions about how Pinarello-Q36.5 intends to manage a growing collection of riders capable of winning major races.

The Swiss rider finished second at the Tour Down Under, won Coppi e Bartali and claimed a Tour de France stage in 2026. Ryder expects him to have opportunities to lead, particularly in races suited to his versatility.

"Mauro will absolutely ride in support of Tom in certain events. But then of course there'll be many opportunities where, in the goals that he wants to achieve, we will ride for him," Ryder said.

The addition of Giulio Ciccone gives the team another potential leader in the Ardennes Classics, creating tactical opportunities alongside Pidcock and Schmid.

Ryder believes having several strong riders present in the decisive moments could allow Pinarello-Q36.5 to compete more effectively against the sport's biggest teams.

Yet he was equally clear about the hierarchy.

"In the end, we have a clear strategy around Tom and that's still our number one priority," Ryder said

While Pidcock remains central to the team's ambitions, Ciccone's arrival gives Pinarello-Q36.5 a high-profile Italian leader for the Giro d'Italia.

The 31-year-old joins after eight seasons with Lidl-Trek, having won the mountains classification at the 2026 Giro and finished third at Il Lombardia.

For Ryder, the signing carries both sporting and commercial significance.

"Giulio for us was a massive coup," he said, highlighting Ciccone's popularity in Italy, his attacking racing style and the presence of Italian partners Pinarello and Q36.5.

Ryder believes Ciccone's arrival could transform the team's profile at the Giro.

"We didn't really have a superstar that could go really huge in the Giro d'Italia and give us a huge amount of exposure, and now we do," he said.

The Giro is now a major target for the team, although Ryder stopped short of outlining a specific result or general classification objective.

While Ciccone strengthens the team's options in the mountains, Pavel Bittner adds another dimension to its plans for 2027. The 23-year-old Czech sprinter arrives from Picnic PostNL following a difficult season in which his only victory came at Paris-Chauny.

Ryder believes a change of environment could help Bittner rediscover his best form, particularly with less pressure on him to deliver results.

"At Picnic he was pretty much the one that was always trying to save everyone's bacon, and that puts a lot of pressure on a guy," Ryder said.

With several other riders capable of winning races, Ryder hopes Bittner will be able to race with greater freedom and benefit from a change of surroundings.

"Being a bit more relaxed and a bit more free in our environment, I think he will shine to another level. Not because he'll be better, just because he's in a different environment," he said.

For Ryder, the recruitment is part of a broader effort to give Pidcock more support without limiting the ambitions of the riders coming in. Schmid and Ciccone will both expect opportunities of their own, while Bittner gives the team another option in the sprints.

How those ambitions are balanced will become clearer when the new signings begin racing together in 2027. For now, Ryder insists the hierarchy is settled, with Pidcock remaining the team's number one priority.

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