Giro d'Italia: Tom Pidcock Aims for Stage Wins on Debut

Tom Pidcock is set to make his Giro d'Italia debut with Q36.5 Pro Team, looking to make an impact and chase stage wins. Read more about his strategy.

Tom Pidcock is relishing his Giro d'Italia debut, excited to start chasing stage wins with his new team, Q36.5 Pro Team.

After a split with Ineos Grenadiers, Pidcock has found renewed enthusiasm, admitting he had become disenchanted with road racing before the move. The double Olympic mountain bike champion is now eager to make an impact.

25-year-old all-rounder Tom Pidcock has been unleashed by the Swiss-based team, and he's made a strong impression, winning the AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia, finishing third at the Vuelta a Andalucia, and coming second to Tadej Pogacar at Strade Bianche.

Known for his fearless racing mentality, Pidcock plans to go all out from the start of the Giro d'Italia, which begins in Albania on Friday. The opening stage, a 160km hilly ride from Durres with a technical finish in Tirana, could be a prime opportunity for Pidcock to grab the coveted maglia rosa.

"Is there a pink dream in your head?"

Tom Pidcock on his Giro ambitions 👀 #GirodItalia pic.twitter.com/nUhABxbU7n

— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) May 7, 2025

“The main reason I've come here is to get stuck in every day, to enjoy racing the Giro and opportunities will come if I do that,” Pidcock said on the eve of the race.

“I've got shape coming out of the Ardennes Classics and I'm looking forward to taking that into the race.

“I think Strade definitely was a big performance as it showed I've got closer. Tadej is on another level - the only guy beating him is Mathieu (van der Poel) on his terrain - so I think Strade was definitely a confidence boost.”

Q36.5, a second-tier team, has received a wildcard entry to the Giro d'Italia and will make their Grand Tour debut with Tom Pidcock as their key rider.

Pidcock said his move to Q36.5 has given him more responsibility, which he enjoys. “I like being responsible for everything, for my own destiny, if you like,” he said. “It's a big responsibility which helps me to get the most out of myself.”

Xm“I have a good relationship with Italy, I won the Baby Giro (in 2020), and it (the Giro) is a race I've wanted to do for a while. I wanted to do it last year and I'm excited I've got the opportunity now.”