Pinarello-Q36.5 secures the August gem

The transfer market continues to provide twists and turns and this time it is Pinarello-Q36.5 who have made a signing with absolute promise: from 2027 the Swiss team will be able to count on Andrew "AJ" August , one of the most promising young riders on the North American scene.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of August's stunning victory at the Czech Tour , where the 20-year-old from Rochester secured his first overall in a stage race. It's been a season to remember for the young American, who has already won a stage of the Itzulia Basque Country —won in pouring rain—and a victory at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana in February. In total, five victories in a pivotal year that demonstrates exponential growth.

After three seasons spent cutting his teeth at Netcompany Ineos, August will move to Pinarello-Q36.5, a ProTeam team that is building a top-notch roster for 2027. The Swiss team continues to strengthen with some top names: joining August will be Tour de France stage winner and Swiss National Champion Mauro Schmid (arriving from Jayco-AlUla), Australian all-rounder Sebastian Berwick (currently at Caja Rural-SegurosRGA), and talented Czech sprinter Pavel Bittner (Picnic PostNL).

For fantasy cycling, this move deserves special attention: August represents a long-term investment with immediate potential. The move from a structured British team like Ineos to a different environment could give him greater freedom of action and more leadership opportunities already in his first season with the new team.

"Racing in the United States is completely different than in Europe, so it's been a big transition, both as a junior and as a professional," August said in a Pinarello-Q36.5 press release. "Joining Ineos at 18 meant throwing myself straight into the mix, but it allowed me to learn how cycling works at the highest level."

The young American then added: "From my first conversations with Pinarello-Q36.5, the team's professionalism really impressed me. It gave me the strongest feeling that this is the best place to continue my development and become the best rider I can be."

These words confirm that the choice was thoughtful and strategic, not simply dictated by financial offers. This is always a positive sign for those who manage fantasy cycling teams: when a rider consciously chooses an environment in which to develop, the chances of a qualitative leap increase considerably.

Pinarello-Q36.5 team principal Doug Ryder was also full of praise for his new signing: "Andrew is a rider who has impressed us for some time. At just 20 years old, he already has a wealth of WorldTour experience, and what's impressive is the speed with which he continues to develop."

Ryder then emphasized: "His performances this season, including two stage wins and the overall victory at the Czech Tour, show both his talent and his ability to turn potential into concrete results."