A new Greek-backed cycling team is reportedly taking shape ahead of the 2027 season, with major ambitions to reach professional level and a potential development partnership with Tom Pidcock’s Pinarello-Q36.5 squad.
The project, which is being developed behind the scenes, is expected to enter international cycling at UCI Continental level before pursuing promotion to the ProTeam ranks.
Details of the initiative emerged after prominent Italian cycling agent Alex Carera discussed the plans during an appearance on Italian television programme RadioCorsa.
Carera identified experienced Italian team manager Marco Bellini and recently retired professional cyclist Kevin Colleoni as the two key figures expected to lead the new project.
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“They will be at the helm of a project that will be talked about in the cycling world for a long time,” Carera said, adding that the initiative would develop progressively.
Major Greek company reportedly backing the project
Although the team’s name and official identity have yet to be revealed, Italian cycling publication Bicisport reports that Greek electricity company PPC is linked to the project.
The reported financial backing could provide the foundation for a long-term investment in Greek cycling, with ambitions extending beyond the team’s initial Continental status.
Bellini is expected to take on the role of general manager. He previously worked alongside the late Italian team manager Gianni Savio and was also involved in the Mexican-based Petrolike cycling project.
Colleoni, meanwhile, is reportedly set to become a sporting director following his retirement from professional racing at the end of 2025.
The Italian spent five seasons competing at WorldTour level, representing BikeExchange-Jayco and Intermarché-Wanty.
Carera also explained why the Greek investors had turned to Italian cycling professionals for their expertise.
“The Greeks chose Italy because, despite all the criticism directed at Italian cycling, Italian management and staff remain at the forefront,” he said.
Potential development partnership with Tom Pidcock’s team
One of the most interesting aspects of the emerging project is a reported connection with Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling, the Swiss-based team featuring British star Tom Pidcock.
According to Bicisport, the new Greek squad could become the development team for Pinarello-Q36.5 from 2027.
The arrangement would provide the Swiss team with a dedicated Continental-level development structure, allowing promising young cyclists to gain international racing experience before potentially progressing to its professional squad.
Pinarello-Q36.5 has been without a dedicated development team since closing its previous setup at the end of 2024.
A partnership would also offer the Greek project access to an established professional cycling organisation and a potential pathway towards higher levels of competition.
Ambitions extend to professional cycling
The proposed Greek team is reportedly targeting progression from Continental level to UCI ProTeam status in the coming years.
For Greek cycling, the initiative could create new opportunities for domestic riders, develop young talent and increase the country’s presence in international competition.
Pinarello-Q36.5 also has ambitions of reaching WorldTour status for the 2029 season, when the current three-year UCI ranking cycle concludes.
According to the report, preparations for the Greek project are already at an advanced stage, with official announcements expected in the coming weeks.
Neither the proposed Greek team nor Pinarello-Q36.5 has officially confirmed the reported partnership.
If finalised, the project would mark a significant new investment in Greek cycling, potentially connecting emerging Greek talent with one of the sport’s established professional teams.
