Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is pleased to announce the arrival of Swiss cyclist Mauro Schmid starting from January 1st, 2027, with a three-year contract.

Born in Zurich, the twenty-five-year-old joins Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team at the peak of his career, following an exceptional 2026 season that has established him among the world's best professional cyclists. Considered one of the most versatile riders in modern cycling, Schmid has delivered extraordinary performances on every terrain, culminating in a memorable Tour de France stage victory and remarkable consistency throughout the season, earning him a place among the world's top riders in the UCI rankings.

Schmid further strengthens the squad with a rare combination of versatility, attacking instinct and proven ability to compete in stage races, Classics and time trials: qualities that have made him one of the most sought-after riders during the 2026 market.

For a proudly Swiss team competing at the highest levels of world cycling, welcoming one of the country's leading riders represents much more than a simple new acquisition. It is the natural expression of the team's identity, which unites shared ambition, Swiss excellence and commitment to continuous performance improvement.

Initial discussions between Schmid and Team Principal Douglas Ryder, who gave him his first opportunity in professional cycling, helped initiate the dialogue. Ultimately, however, it was the evolution of the entire Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team project that convinced Schmid to begin the next chapter of his career.

Mauro Schmid: "Doug gave me the opportunity to become a professional, so there was already a strong bond. But what really convinced me was seeing how much the team has evolved over the last two or three seasons. Especially for a Swiss rider, joining this project makes everything even more special."

The signing of the agreement further strengthens the team's position as a cradle of cycling innovation: an environment where riders, engineers and world-leading technical partners work side by side, transforming performance feedback into continuous technological progress.

One of the decisive factors in Schmid's choice was the team's unique factory model, in which athletes work closely with key partners to refine equipment, accelerate innovation and pursue every possible performance advantage.

"What really makes this project different is the close collaboration between the team and its partners. It's not simply about receiving equipment: you have the opportunity to provide feedback, contribute to development and help improve products. Having brands so closely integrated into the team means always having access to the best equipment while also helping to shape the next generation of products. This is an aspect that truly excites me."

Schmid also sees significant opportunities for further development within the team's high-performance environment. "Every season I've managed to take another step forward, but I still feel I haven't reached my full potential. I want to become an even more complete rider, improve my time trial performance and continue to close the gap in the most important one-day races. I believe this environment will give me everything I need to continue progressing."

Douglas Ryder, Team Principal of Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, stated: "Mauro is one of the most complete cyclists in professional cycling today. What impressed us most is not only the results he achieved this season, but also the way he races: with intelligence, versatility and a constant desire to improve himself. These qualities integrate perfectly with the culture we are building at Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team.

"As a Swiss rider joining a Swiss team, there is a natural connection that makes this signing particularly meaningful. We believe our environment, working closely with our partners, will offer Mauro all the opportunities to continue to grow, while his experience and feedback will help us continue to push the boundaries of innovation. We are delighted to welcome him to the team."