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Moschetti acknowledged that his team had achieved something special in Saudi Arabia. “It’s hard to believe — what a week,” he beamed in the flash interview. “Today, the main goal was to keep Tom safe. After that, he was able to repay us for all the work we did for him. I’m really happy that I could thank him and the team with this win,” said the Italian, who saw his team leader at the front of the peloton heading into the final three kilometers.
The race finale was chaotic due to the crosswinds and ensuing echelons that shaped the stage from the start. But Q36.5 remained composed, and their sprinter delivered in style. “We were actually a little too far forward. When UAE launched the sprint, I was really close to the barriers. But I managed to squeeze through, and my speed was good. I was able to beat Molano in the final meters—what a sprint.” The win gives him confidence for the rest of the season. “Especially after such a tough year last season. I can’t believe it.”
Pidcock was possibly even happier than his teammate — and for multiple reasons. “I’m a bit emotional; it’s like a fairytale. Seeing how much this means to these guys, it’s incredible. Finishing it off like this, it’s incredible. The way they raced today… And to think I didn’t know any of these guys before December. Some of them I only met in January. What we’ve already shown and how we’ve done it, it’s just beautiful,” the overjoyed team leader shared.
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ith this win, the Brit claimed his first-ever overall victory in a stage race. “As a pro, yes,” he clarified—having previously won the Giro Next Gen as a U23 rider. “It took a while, but this is a big step in my career. The level of focus needed to defend the lead every single day… And this was just a five-day race. I realize now how tough it is. I can’t really describe how it feels. Red Bull gives you wings, and apparently, Q36.5 does too,” he said, pointing at his Red Bull helmet.
Q36.5’s sports directors Jens Zemke and Kurt Bogaerts were overjoyed. “This is truly special. It gives us confidence. Last year, we were the underdogs, but now we believe in ourselves. We’ve grown as a team. Matteo’s win is the perfect example: he had so much bad luck, and now he’s here winning. He was hit by a garbage truck that was reversing. It wasn’t his fault. He suffered multiple fractures in his back, so this was really serious,” said Zemke.