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Racing

Pidcock Delivers in Andorra as Harper Leads the Way!

Tom Pidcock returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion at the Andorra MoraBanc Clàssica, claiming victory on home roads after a commanding team performance that underlined the strength and cohesion of the Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team ahead of the Tour de France.

The British rider conquered the demanding Andorran parcours after 125 kilometres and almost 4,000 metres of climbing, crossing the line solo atop Coll de la Botella to secure his fourth victory of the season. Behind him, Carlos Verona and Sepp Kuss completed the podium, while teammate Chris Harper rounded off a memorable day for the team with an impressive fourth place.

The result represented a significant step forward following a challenging period for Pidcock, who was forced to miss the Tour de Suisse due to a viral infection that briefly interrupted his preparation towards cycling’s biggest race.

“Everyone was super strong today, everyone committed 100 per cent,” said Pidcock after the finish.

"So to finish it off for them is really nice. Thank you to them, they committed, they rode all day, everyone did their part, so it's a nice feeling."

Tom Pidcock
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From the opening kilometres, the Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team took responsibility for the race, controlling proceedings on the steep Andorran roads before gradually increasing the pressure on the decisive climbs. On a course where every gram and every watt mattered, the team raced aboard Pinarello DOGMA F bicycles equipped with the lightweight Zipp 202 NSW wheelset, a setup specifically selected for one of the most demanding climbing races on the calendar.

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While Pidcock ultimately raised his arms in celebration, one of the defining moments of the race came on the final ascent, where Chris Harper delivered a powerful turn on the front that reduced the lead group to only the strongest contenders and perfectly positioned his team leader for the winning move.

The Australian, returning to Andorra after a period of altitude training in Sierra Nevada, was delighted with both the execution of the team's strategy and his own sensations.

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"I think we had a good day as a team. We executed our plan pretty perfectly. We took control of the race and set our pace the whole day."

Chris Harper

Harper's contribution was crucial in shaping the outcome of the race, but the Australian also sees Sunday's performance as an encouraging sign ahead of the next major objective.

“I felt quite good myself from early on in the race. Coming back to Andorra after being up in Sierra Nevada for a bit after the Giro, I'm happy with how I'm feeling. I'll do the last bit of preparation at home now and then hopefully head to the Tour.”

The race also provided a valuable opportunity to validate equipment and apparel choices ahead of the Tour de France. Racing in warm summer conditions, Pidcock wore the Q36.5 Dottore Clima Skin suit, developed to maximise thermoregulation and comfort during high-intensity efforts in the heat, while Harper once again relied on his preferred Q36.5 Gregarius Pro Bib Shorts, a long-standing personal choice for long mountain days thanks to their comfort and stability.

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For the Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, Sunday's result was about much more than a victory. It was a demonstration of collective strength, precise execution and the ability to adapt and perform at the highest level. Every rider played a role in controlling one of the toughest one-day races of the season, Harper delivered the final launch, and Pidcock finished the job.

With the Tour de France Grand Départ in Barcelona now just around the corner, the signs are encouraging. The form is there. The confidence is growing. And, perhaps most importantly, the team is racing exactly as one.

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