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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\u2019s Pinarello-Q36.5 squad.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Details of the initiative emerged after prominent Italian cycling agent Alex Carera discussed the plans during an appearance on Italian television programme RadioCorsa<\/em>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Read more: Maria Sakkari reaches Hong Kong Open second round<\/p>\n \u201cThey will be at the helm of a project that will be talked about in the cycling world for a long time,\u201d Carera said, adding that the initiative would develop progressively.<\/p>\n Although the team\u2019s name and official identity have yet to be revealed, Italian cycling publication Bicisport<\/em> reports that Greek electricity company PPC is linked to the project.<\/p>\n The reported financial backing could provide the foundation for a long-term investment in Greek cycling, with ambitions extending beyond the team\u2019s initial Continental status.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Colleoni, meanwhile, is reportedly set to become a sporting director following his retirement from professional racing at the end of 2025.<\/p>\n The Italian spent five seasons competing at WorldTour level, representing BikeExchange-Jayco and Intermarch\u00e9-Wanty.<\/p>\n Carera also explained why the Greek investors had turned to Italian cycling professionals for their expertise.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Greeks chose Italy because, despite all the criticism directed at Italian cycling, Italian management and staff remain at the forefront,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n According to Bicisport<\/em>, the new Greek squad could become the development team for Pinarello-Q36.5 from 2027.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Pinarello-Q36.5 has been without a dedicated development team since closing its previous setup at the end of 2024.<\/p>\n A partnership would also offer the Greek project access to an established professional cycling organisation and a potential pathway towards higher levels of competition.<\/p>\n The proposed Greek team is reportedly targeting progression from Continental level to UCI ProTeam status in the coming years.<\/p>\n For Greek cycling, the initiative could create new opportunities for domestic riders, develop young talent and increase the country\u2019s presence in international competition.<\/p>\n Pinarello-Q36.5 also has ambitions of reaching WorldTour status for the 2029 season, when the current three-year UCI ranking cycle concludes.<\/p>\n According to the report, preparations for the Greek project are already at an advanced stage, with official announcements expected in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n Neither the proposed Greek team nor Pinarello-Q36.5 has officially confirmed the reported partnership.<\/p>\n If finalised, the project would mark a significant new investment in Greek cycling, potentially connecting emerging Greek talent with one of the sport\u2019s established professional teams.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nMajor Greek company reportedly backing the project<\/h2>\n
Potential development partnership with Tom Pidcock\u2019s team<\/h2>\n
Ambitions extend to professional cycling<\/h2>\n