It’s transfer season, and this one is a big one. We knew a few days ago that Giulio Ciccone would be leaving Lidl-Trek after eight seasons. But where he was going wasn’t known yet. But on Monday, the news is official. The Italian star has signed a three-year contract with Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team that runs through 2029.
The 31-year-old pro will join the Swiss-registered team on Jan. 1, 2027. He has a résumé that includes three Giro d’Italia stage wins, the Tour de France King of the Mountains title and a dub at the 2025 Clásica San Sebastián.
Ciccone’s big year
He’s had a great year–although he has come so, so close to a few big wins, including recently. Ciccone finished the 2026 season with second place at the European road championships and third at Il Lombardia. At the Euros it came down to a brutally close finish line photo that ultimately went to Remco Evenepoel.
The big question was why he would leave Lidl-Trek, one of the strongest squads in the WorldTour. Ciccone said the decision was simple. He said it came down to wanting a change after spending much of his career with the same group.
Why the need to leave Lidl-Trek
“After eight years with the same team, this is a big decision, but one I genuinely wanted to make,” Ciccone said. “I feel I still have a lot to give, and I needed a new challenge, fresh motivation and an environment where I could feel at home.”
The Italian said he knew early on after chatting with the Pinarello Q36.5 gang that he was stoked to join.
“From our very first meeting, I felt something different,” he said. “It wasn’t just about numbers, results or technical discussions. I felt real trust and appreciation, and that the people behind this project genuinely wanted me here.”
On the new team
But he also said that a good team isn’t just about stuff on paper. Ciccone said getting along with your fellow riders and staff is clutch.
“For me, the human side of a team comes first. I race with my heart, and the people around me are what give me energy.”
The tech on the team setup appealed to the climber. Like most riders who want to go uphill fast, he said he pays close attention to his bike and the equipment he uses.
“When we started discussing the technical side, I was impressed,” Ciccone said. “The attention to detail, the equipment, the technology and the ambition to keep improving really stood out. I’m very particular about my bike, and I could immediately see how much care goes into every aspect of performance.”
Ciccone and Pidcock
There is also a pretty obvious Italian connection, because Pinarello. So that tracks. But as far as the team Ciccone will join superstar Tom Pidcock. His arrival definitely beefs up the team’s GC ambitions.
“I’m also really looking forward to racing alongside Tom Pidcock,” Ciccone said. “I’ve always admired him. Not only because of his talent, but because he’s a rider who thinks differently and isn’t afraid to do things his own way. I hope we can bring something extra to each other and build something special together.”
It also means a new teammate for Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides, Que’s Nick Zukowsky, who has also had a great year. We’ve seen the former national champ in all kinds of breaks, as well as being an absolute workhorse for his team.
“To all the fans who have supported me over the years, I want to say that this is a change I truly believe in,” Ciccone said. “I still have the same passion, the same hunger and the same desire to give everything on the bike. Now it’s time to take that energy into a new chapter, together.”
The road season is almost done for the year, but 2027 is around the corner!