Ineos may have a new jersey sponsor in TotalEnergies, but the team is currently without a bike sponsor for 2026. Multiple industry sources indicate that longstanding partner Pinarello is expected to exit after a 16-year relationship with the British team, marking the end of one of the longest-running bike deals in the WorldTour.
When approached by Escape Collective at the finish of Stage 4, both Dave Brailsford (director of sport for the broader Ineos sports division) and team CEO John Allert declined to comment on whether the team would continue with Pinarello or switch to a new supplier. Pinarello declined to comment when contacted on the matter.
Pinarello is expected to replace Scott as the bike sponsor at Team Q36.5 next season. The move would consolidate two of Ivan Glasenberg’s investments: the billionaire owns both Q36.5 (the clothing company and the team) and Pinarello. It would also resolve the current situation where star rider Tom Pidcock, who races for Q36.5 on the road, uses a Pinarello frame for mountain bike events despite Q36.5’s current deal with Scott.
Asked whether it would continue with Q36.5 in 2026, Scott confirmed only that it “has a contract with Q36.5,” but declined to say whether that includes the 2026 season.
As for the team, Q36.5 declined to comment when asked if they would switch to Pinarello bikes on the road for 2026, and again when asked if they would continue on bikes from Scott. But sources close to the team have told Escape Collective Pinarello will become the team bike sponsor from the start of 2026.
Ineos' options: Who’s left?
Did we do a good job with this story?
