A new chapter, a new page, the same fire, the same ambitions: Giulio Ciccone opens a new chapter of his career and signs a three-year contract with Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team.

After eight seasons with Lidl-Trek, the thirty-one-year-old from Abruzzo has chosen the Swiss-licensed ProTeam for the next chapter of his career, bringing with him a proven track record in the Grand Tours, an instinctive racing style, and experience gained at the highest levels of professional cycling.

For Ciccone, this transfer represents much more than a simple change of jersey. It is a conscious choice to embrace a new environment, find fresh motivation, and become part of a project whose values and ambitions quickly resonated with him.

Among the most recognizable and charismatic Italian riders, Ciccone has built his reputation on his ability to attack, his climbing talent, and an emotional connection with fans. A three-time stage winner at the Giro d'Italia, already wearer of the polka dot jersey (best climber) at the Tour de France, wearer of the pink jersey at the Corsa Rosa, and winner of the Clásica San Sebastián 2025, he confirms himself as a formidable presence in the mountains and in the more demanding one-day classics.

His recent performances testify to this ambition: second at the 2026 European Road Championships and third at Lombardia, Ciccone closed the season among the protagonists of some of the most important races in the cycling landscape.

"After eight years with the same team, it's an important decision, but one I really wanted to make. 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. From our first meeting, I sensed something different: it wasn't just about numbers, results, or technical discussions, but I felt genuine trust and appreciation, along with the real desire, from the people behind this project, to have me with them. For me, the human aspect of a team is fundamental. I race with my heart, and it's the people around me who give me energy".

And further: "When we then started discussing the technical side, I was equally impressed. The attention to detail, the equipment, the technology, and the ambition to continue improving were truly distinctive elements. I'm very demanding about my bike and I immediately understood how much care is dedicated to every aspect of performance. Being Italian, the connection with Pinarello and Q36.5 has a special meaning for me. Moreover, I can't wait to race alongside Tom Pidcock: I've always admired him, not only for his talent, but because he's a rider who thinks outside the box and isn't afraid to follow his own path. I hope we can enrich each other and build something special together. To all the fans who have supported me over the years, I want to say that I firmly believe in this change. I have the same passion, the same hunger for victory, and the same desire to give everything on the bike. Now it's time to bring this energy to a new chapter, together".

Ciccone's arrival represents a natural link between Italian cycling tradition and the Team's international ambitions. With Pinarello and Q36.5 at the center of its technical identity, the Team's philosophy—defined as "Home of Cycling Innovation"—unites Italian engineering, advanced performance technologies, and a "factory team" approach, in which riders, materials specialists, and technical staff work closely together to transform every detail into a competitive advantage.

For a rider who combines an instinctive approach to racing with a meticulous interest in equipment, this philosophy provides the foundation for a new phase of his career.

Douglas Ryder, Team Principal of the Swiss formation, emphasizes: "Giulio is a rider who possesses something innate: character, instinct, and genuine passion for racing. He has spent years competing against the best, and what excites me is that he still has the hunger to push beyond. What really matters to us is why he chose this team; he grasped the value of the people, the ambition, and the environment we are building. This is a fundamental aspect, because our team's philosophy is not limited to providing riders with the best materials: it's about bringing together the right people, building trust, and offering them everything they need to perform at the highest levels. With Giulio, we acquire a proven winner with extensive experience, a leader and an athlete capable of making the difference when the race enters its decisive phase. We are building a team where experience, talent, and innovation work in synergy. Giulio is an important part of this future, and I can't wait...".