Pinarello-Q36.5 Cyclists Opt for Unusual Chile Training Camp

Breaking from conventional pre-season practices, the Pinarello-Q36.5 cycling team is set to embark on an unconventional altitude training camp in Chile this year, diverging from popular European destinations like Tenerife and Mallorca. This strategic move, spearheaded by key riders including British talents Tom Pidcock, Fred Wright, and Tom Gloag, aims to capitalize on Chile's favorable climate and provide a novel environment for their 2026 road campaign preparations. The decision reflects a desire for optimal training conditions and a renewed sense of enthusiasm among the athletes.

Seven members of the Pinarello-Q36.5 squad are scheduled to travel to the South American nation at the close of the current week. This choice of location, specifically the mountainous regions of northern Chile, is a deliberate one, as explained by the team's sports director, Kurt Bogaerts, in a recent conversation with the Belgian publication, Sporza. Bogaerts, who also serves as Pidcock's long-standing coach, emphasized the region's excellent weather, characterized by sunny and dry conditions with temperatures consistently ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius during January.

Traditionally, European cycling teams favor locales such as Spain or the Canary Islands for their winter training. However, Bogaerts elaborated on the rationale behind bypassing these more familiar territories. He cited the significant snowfall in areas like Sierra Nevada in southern Spain, which would necessitate daily descents into the valley for training, an activity deemed undesirable. Similarly, Tenerife was dismissed due to the monotony of repeatedly climbing Mount Teide, which Bogaerts suggested could lead to mental fatigue for the riders who have extensively trained there in the past.

The team's roster for the Chilean camp includes British riders Pidcock, Gloag, and Wright, alongside Belgian cyclists Brent Van Moer, Xandro Meurisse, and Quinten Hermans, as well as Swiss athlete Fabio Christen. Pidcock, an Olympic mountain bike champion, was reportedly instrumental in advocating for the South American destination, with Bogaerts noting his keen enthusiasm and even a request to bring off-road tires to explore non-tarmac routes. This approach underscores a blend of rigorous performance preparation with an emphasis on making the training experience enjoyable and engaging for the athletes.

As a leading UCI ProTeam, Pinarello-Q36.5 is anticipated to receive automatic invitations to all three Grand Tours, including the prestigious Tour de France, and other WorldTour events throughout the upcoming season. The team achieved its best-ever Grand Tour performance last year, with Tom Pidcock securing third place at the Vuelta a España, highlighting their competitive ambitions. The team's ownership by South African billionaire Ivan Glasenberg, who holds substantial investments in both Pinarello and Q36.5 brands, further solidifies their position in professional cycling.

The Pinarello-Q36.5 team is embarking on an innovative pre-season strategy by choosing Chile for its altitude training, moving away from conventional European sites. This decision is driven by the desire for an optimal climate and a refreshing training atmosphere. Key riders, particularly Tom Pidcock, championed the shift, seeking both peak performance and an enjoyable experience, which included incorporating off-road cycling. This unconventional approach highlights the team's commitment to exploring new methods for athletic development and maintaining rider morale as they prepare for a demanding season, aiming to build on their recent Grand Tour successes.