Winner of stage 13 of the 2026 Tour de France, Mauro Schmid, will make the switch from Jayco-AlUla to Pinarello-Q36.5 next season.
The Swiss rider has signed a three-year deal, meaning that he will race for the team until at least the end of the 2029 season.
Schmid has been a key rider for the Australian team since joining in 2024 and is their top UCI point-scorer this season with more than 2,500 points. Alongside his Tour stage win, Schmid also won Coppi e Bartali in March and was second at both La Fléche Wallonne and the Tour Down Under.
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The 26-year-old will join the Swiss team as one of its leaders, sharing some of the pressure and responsibility with the team’s marquee rider Tom Pidcock.
He says that part of the attraction of moving to the team was his connection with team boss Doug Ryder, who signed him to his first professional contract with Team Qhubeka NextHash in 2021, as well as the opportunity to join a Swiss outfit.
“Doug gave me the opportunity to turn professional, so there was already a strong connection,” Schmid said in a press release.
“But what really convinced me was seeing how much the team has evolved over the last two or three seasons. Especially as a Swiss rider, becoming part of this project makes it even more special."
Schmid has grown into one of the sport’s most versatile riders, able to chase wins on a variety of terrains. He was on flying form during his second Tour this summer, also landing two second places on stages 17 and 18.
"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 and continue closing the gap in the biggest one-day races.
“I believe this environment gives me everything I need to keep progressing," he added.
Schmid is Pinarello-Q36.5’s first signing ahead of the 2027 season. One departure from the second-tier squad is already known, with Australian Damien Howson announcing his retirement ahead of this year’s Tour. Around half of the squad is out of contract at the end of this year, so it’s possible that the team could look quite different next season.
"Mauro is one of the most complete bike racers in professional cycling today. What has impressed us most is not only the results he has achieved this season, but the way he races—with intelligence, versatility and an unwavering desire to keep improving. Those qualities fit perfectly with the culture we are building at Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team," team manager Doug Ryder added.
“As a Swiss rider joining a Swiss team, there is a natural connection that makes this signing particularly meaningful. We believe our environment, working hand in hand with partners, will give Mauro every opportunity to continue developing, while his experience and feedback will help us continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. We're delighted to welcome him to the team."
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