“I sit across from Tom, and say to him, ‘You’re amazing, what an incredible leader you are’. The way he takes on responsibility, lifts the team. He makes you feel part of his success, he brings everyone in, and he’s very thankful and appreciative of all the effort people put into him.” Doug Ryder is happy. Chuffed. Why wouldn’t he be? Late last season, his small second division outfit only in existence for two years, Q36.5 Pro Cycling, signed Tom Pidcock from Ineos Grenadiers, where he had grown deeply unhappy, and where his road career had stalled somewhat. The Yorkshireman had numerous points to prove, but breaking his contract and relegating himself a division didn’t appear to be the most logical sporting decision.

This Sunday, Pidcock could podium at the Vuelta a España – a result the Briton had always insisted he could achieve, but had shown precious evidence of it being a realistic possibility in his four years with Ineos. It would be the highlight of a season that has also included his first ever GC victory (the AlUla Tour, courtesy of two stage wins), finishing second in Strade Branche (behind Tadej Pogačar), being on the podium of La Flèche Wallonne, and two other stage victories in smaller races. He’s been revitalised at Q36.5, and that’s had and is continuing to have a transformative effect on the rest of the team. 

This article was published by Rouleur in September 2025. You can read the full article here.