Take2 weeks ago
Pinarello-Q36.5 signed Niels Driesen for 2027 before he's ridden a single pro race, choosing him over Lotto-Intermarché's own offer to step him up internally. This is a team betting on futures, not résumés — Driesen turns pro straight from a continental development squad rather than climbing the traditional ladder within one structure.
Driesen finished second overall at Tour de l'Avenir 2026 and held the yellow jersey for two days after winning the opening stage — while still riding for a continental team, not Lotto-Intermarché's WorldTour roster. Lotto-Intermarché offered terms to promote him internally, but Pinarello-Q36.5 got there first, locking him and fellow young climber Liam O'Brien through 2028. It's the same market logic behind their Mauro Schmid and Pavel Bittner signings — except here they're not buying proven form, they're buying a bet on what a 20-year-old becomes.
Sources
Pinarello-Q36.5 snoept Niels Driesen van Lotto-Intermarché en klimtalent van Lidl-Trek afNiels DriesenQui est Niels Driesen, le Belge révélé avec le maillot jaune sur le Tour de l'Avenir?Pinarello-Q36.5 pakt uit en slaat stevige dubbelslag op transfermarktPinarello Q36.5 reportedly set to swoop in for two young prospects