At just 21 years old, Tom Crabbe already possesses the power, instinct, and acceleration of a born sprinter. His breakthrough 2026 season has demonstrated what he can do with that speed and has offered a glimpse of his enormous untapped potential.
From January 1st, 2027, the Belgian will continue his growth trajectory with the Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. Crabbe, currently riding for Team Flanders-Baloise, claimed his first professional road victory at the Étoile de Bessèges in February, then repeated the feat at the Vuelta a Andalucía. He then delivered an exceptional performance at the Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye, securing three stage wins and the points classification.
His victories have also revealed a versatility that extends beyond classic flat-road sprints, with more demanding finishes and uphill conclusions that prove increasingly suited to his combination of power and acceleration.
Tom Crabbe stated: “This year I learned that uphill sprints really suit me, but I also know there are areas where I can improve significantly, especially in high-speed power production. I'm still very young and have a lot to learn. Everything takes time. I want to keep pushing myself, get to know myself better as a rider, and explore the limits of my sprint.”
Crabbe's racing instinct has also been shaped by his track cycling experience, where positioning, timing, and awareness are fundamental. Racing in close quarters has taught him to stay calm in chaotic situations and to choose the right moment to launch his sprint. Now, joining a team with fast and experienced riders offers Crabbe another opportunity to accelerate this learning process.
“There are really experienced riders on the team and I can't wait to test myself against them. I want to maintain an open mindset and learn as much as possible. Especially in my first year, at the table, at training camps, and during races, I'll listen carefully. I want to understand how more experienced riders approach different situations and learn as much as I can from them. Ultimately, we all want the same thing: to help the team win races. I want to contribute, continue to grow, and be ready when opportunities present themselves.”
Crabbe describes himself in three words: humble, ambitious, and curious. His ambition, however, remains unmistakably that of a sprinter: “To be honest, my big dream is to one day ride on the Champs-Élysées wearing the green jersey. I call it a dream rather than a goal because it's still far away. Right now I want to become the best version of myself, give my all, and see where it takes me. But I believe it's always necessary to have a big dream.”
Turning speed into performance
With Pinarello Q36.5, Crabbe will join the Team Factory, working closely with the technical staff and partners, including Pinarello, Q36.5, and Amacx. For a young sprinter, the opportunity to work on aerodynamics, clothing, bike setup, nutrition, and other details that influence high-speed performance is particularly exciting.
“It will be a big step forward for me. Being able to work closely with the Team, mechanics, engineers, and partners and provide direct feedback is something I'm really looking forward to. I think next year will open my eyes to everything that comes with racing at this level. I want to understand these details and learn how we can use them to improve our performance.”
This is where Crabbe's natural speed meets the Team's Race Sharp philosophy: combining instinct and physical ability with preparation, precision, and execution.
Douglas Ryder, Team Principal of Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, stated: “We're thrilled to welcome Tom to the team. He's a rider with undeniable talent, but what impressed us most was his friendly character, his energy, and his eagerness to learn. He gives the impression of being someone genuinely curious about improving himself and ready to commit fully. We believe he'll integrate beautifully into our group. He's at an ideal age, has already achieved excellent results, but still has significant room for growth. We can't wait to help him take the next steps in his career and to see the impact he'll have within the team.”
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