Moschetti on the podium as Pinarello Q36.5 opens its 2026 season in style at AlUla
The Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team couldn’t have asked for a stronger start to the 2026 season. On Stage 1 of the AlUla Tour, Matteo Moschetti sprinted to an impressive third place, delivering the first podium in the young history of the team.
The opening stage immediately lived up to expectations, with strong crosswinds shaping the race from start to finish. Around 40 kilometres from the line, the peloton split into echelons on the exposed desert roads, leaving just 18 riders in the front group. Pinarello Q36.5 read the situation perfectly, positioning Moschetti in the decisive move with crucial support from Mark Donovan.
What followed was a demanding and chaotic final hour of racing. High speeds, crashes and mechanical issues tested riders and teams alike, turning the stage into a battle of resilience and race awareness.
"First race of the year, finishing with a podium. With this kind of sprinters here on the start line, I think we can be satisfied. It was very hard to achieve echelons and a very hard wind situation in the final race hour. A lot of things happened also to us — crashes, hits, a damaged wheel for Emils, flat tyres for Dunbar — but Mark Donovan was in a very good situation. He won the bonus sprint with 9km to go, which was our goal, and that keeps him in a good position for the GC."
Sports Director Jens Peter ZemkeDonovan’s aggressive approach was rewarded at the finish, as he claimed the Most Combative Rider jersey, a fitting recognition of Pinarello Q36.5’s attacking mindset on its very first race day.
In the final sprint, Moschetti showed both composure and sharpness, navigating a tense and technical run-in to cross the line in third place behind Jonathan Milan and Milan Fretin.
"Matteo finishing third is a good opening for us. That was exactly the idea."
Sports Director Jens Peter ZemkeA podium and a distinctive jersey on day one send a clear signal: Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team has launched its 2026 campaign with confidence, ambition and intent — already #RaceSharp.
