Sam Bennett signs for Q36.5 to continue career into 2026

Sam Bennett has signed with Q36.5 Pro Cycling for the 2026 season, as the Swiss ProTeam continues its push through the cycling ranks.

With the retirement of former European Champion, Giacomo Nizzolo, at the end of the 2025 season, the team have been left with a void in their sprint department, leaving the well-decorated Bennett to slot in nicely. 

The 35-year-old brings a wealth of experience and has been a serial winner over his career, with 71 victories to his name, including 10 Grand Tour stage wins, and also the points classification at the Tour de France in 2020.

"It's fantastic to be joining Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team next season," said Bennett in a statement released by his new team. "My career was launched by Kurt Bogaerts, so it feels as if I've taken a winding path home."

Bennett is one of ten new riders already confirmed for the team's 2026 roster, joining fellow Irishman Eddie Dunbar as Q36.5 builds on momentum following Tom Pidcock's third-place finish at the Vuelta a España in September.

For Bennett, the move represents both a chance to add to his impressive victory tally and an opportunity to mentor developing talent.

"As a sprinter, my career has been shaped by hunting for wins and I've been really fortunate to have been given lots of great opportunities to perform and win, at all 3 Grand Tours," he explained. "By joining this team, not only do I sense an immense opportunity to perform at my best level but equally to guide younger riders to achieve great things within our sport."

The signing reunites Bennett with Head of Performance Kurt Bogaerts, who played a crucial role early in the Irishman's career when the pair were together at An Post-Sean Kelly turned An Post-Chain Reaction team together.

"We first were together on the An Post – Sean Kelly, where he turned pro from our team after winning the stage in Caerphilly at the 2013 Tour of Britain," said Bogaerts. "We remained in contact throughout his career and now we have the opportunity to add his winning experience to our Team.”

“He understands what it takes to win at the highest level, and especially at Grand Tours. Sam gives us the chance to target high-profile victories and the consistency we strive for."

This move marks the end of two years with Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, where Bennett claimed nine victories, and a new chapter with the ambitious Swiss team is something he is looking forward to.

"I've watched the team grow and develop and accomplish great things already at the highest level and I'm excited to be a part of that. All my gratitude to Doug Ryder and Kurt for this opportunity."