Giro d'Italia extends wildcard invitations to Q36.5 cycling team led by Tom Pidcock, and Tudor Pro Cycling as well
Tom Pidcock to Make Debut in the 2025 Giro d'Italia
British cyclist Tom Pidcock is set to make his debut in the elite men's Giro d'Italia in 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in his career. His team, Q36.5 Pro Cycling, received a wild card invite to the race, with Pidcock's star power and promising talent being the primary reasons for the invitation.
Pidcock started the 2021 season in impressive form, winning the AlUla Tour and a stage in the Ruta del Sol, and finishing second at Strade Bianche and achieving sixth overall at Tirreno-Adriatico. This strong performance, coupled with his victory in the under-23 edition of the Giro d'Italia (Baby Giro) in 2020, has cemented his position as a formidable competitor.
Despite Pidcock's impressive track record, he has not yet ridden the elite men's Giro d'Italia. However, this is about to change, as he prepares to take on the challenging three-week race. The 2025 Giro d'Italia concludes on 1 June.
The race organizers, RCS, issued a press release confirming the participation of Q36.5 Pro Cycling in the Giro d'Italia. The team, which is a ProTeam (second division), was invited despite not being a WorldTour team. This strategic move aimed to leverage Pidcock’s potential impact and media attention to justify their spot in the race, especially since the team was not invited to the Tour de France.
The Giro d'Italia traditionally invites 22 teams, but the 2023 edition marked an increase to 23 teams competing. This change allowed for the inclusion of an additional ProTeam like Q36.5, expanding the field beyond the usual limit. The UCI ruled to increase the number of teams allowed to compete in the Giro d'Italia from 22 to 23.
Several other teams will also be participating in the Giro d'Italia, including Tudor Pro Cycling, Team Polti Visit Malta, VF Group BardianiCSF - Faizane, and Israel-Premier Tech. Some of the main favourites for overall victory include Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers), Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), and Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost).
The Grande Partenza for the 2025 Giro d'Italia is in Albania, marking a new beginning for the historic race. As the date approaches, fans and cyclists alike are eagerly awaiting Pidcock's debut in the Giro d'Italia, and the thrilling competition that lies ahead.
[1] Pidcock made an appearance at the Vuelta a España in 2021. [2] Pidcock rode the Tour de France on several occasions. [3] Tadej Pogačar will not be present in the 2025 Giro d'Italia. [4] The 2025 Giro d'Italia begins on 9 May 2025. [5] Tudor Pro Cycling, Team Polti Visit Malta, VF Group BardianiCSF - Faizane, and Israel-Premier Tech are also participating in the Giro d'Italia. [6] Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) is expected to race in the 2025 Giro d'Italia. [7] Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) is expected to race in the 2025 Giro d'Italia. [8] Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) is expected to race in the 2025 Giro d'Italia. [9] The Grande Partenza for the 2025 Giro d'Italia is in Albania. [10] The UCI ruled to increase the number of teams allowed to compete in the Giro d'Italia from 22 to 23. [11] Tom Pidcock won the under-23 edition of the Giro d'Italia (Baby Giro) in 2020. [12] Tadej Pogačar won last year's edition of the Giro d'Italia.
Sports enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Tom Pidcock's debut in the world of elite men's sports as he prepares to compete in the 2025 Giro d'Italia. Despite his previous appearances in races such as the Vuelta a Espana and the Tour de France, this major milestone marks a new phase in Pidcock's sports career.