After a long period away from the tape and barriers, Quinten Hermans is officially back in cyclocross mode. The Belgian rider made his season debut in two iconic and demanding races — Baal and Gullegem — immediatelydelivering solid performances and encouraging sensations that confirm both his condition and the effectiveness of the Team’s winter setup. 

“Making the sign of the cross again and suffering a bit” was how Quinten described the feeling of returning to racing. A typically honest statement from a rider who knows exactly what cyclocross requires, both physically and mentally. These were not easy races to ease back into competition with: both courses were highly technical, ridden in harsh winter conditions, and featured extremely competitive start lists. Still, everything unfolded accordingto plan, and the results reflected that. 

Starting the season without any ranking points added an extra layer of difficulty. Regulations meant Quinten had to line up at the back of the grid in both races. In Baal, with around 35 riders at the start, this was manageable. Gullegem, however, was a completely different challenge, with more than 80 riders on the grid. Fighting through the field demanded a significant effort, but once again Quinten showed his trademark determination and race intelligence to secure a top-10 finish. 

Beyond the results, the debut also marked an important technical milestone: Quinten’s first races on the new Pinarello Crossista. Transitioning to a new bike in cyclocross is never straightforward, but the feedback wasimmediately positive. Thanks to the close collaboration between the rider and the Team’s performance staff, the setup was quickly adapted to the specific demands of cyclocross. The outcome was a bike that felt reactive, easy to handle, and comfortable in exactly the right measure — key qualities when races are decided by seconds and mistakes are always lurking.

As Quinten pointed out, the Dogma GR benefits from years of development and testing at the highest level, and that pedigree was evident from the first race laps. Confidence in the equipment allows a rider to focus fully on racing, especially in a discipline as unforgiving as cyclocross. 

The same level of confidence extended to clothing. Racing in near-freezing temperatures in Baal and even colder conditions in Gullegem — down to minus two or three degrees with heavy snowfall — put the Q36.5 technical apparel to a serious test. Quinten warmed up in the Dottore Thermico Jacket, and for the race wore a Prototype Dottore Skinsuit, hybrid Arm Warmers, and Prototype Hybrid Gloves. The verdict was clear: never too cold, never too warm. 

In one-hour, full-gas cyclocross efforts, balancing insulation and breathability is crucial. Overdressing can be as risky as underdressing, with excessive sweat quickly becoming a problem. The chosen setup delivered the rightequilibrium, allowing Quinten to stay dry, focused, and fully committed from the first pedal stroke to the final lap. Particular praise went to the gloves, a key element in cyclocross, where grip, control, and precision at the handlebars can define the outcome of a race. 

With these first races now in the books, the signs are encouraging. Solid results, positive sensations, and a strong connection between rider, equipment, and Team underline a promising start to the cyclocross campaignfor Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. For fans, it is an exciting glimpse of what lies ahead as Quinten Hermans continues to build momentum through the heart of the winter season.