Updated August 17, 2026 09:38AM
US Prodigy AJ August Signs Blockbuster Deal with Pinarello-Q36.5 After Breakout Pro Win
20-year-old 'cross and road star Andrew August joins the ambitious young team of Tom Pidcock as Arnaud De Lie confirms transfer to Tudor.
(Photo: Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
Andrew “AJ” August is having quite the week.
The 20-year-old American signed with team Pinarello-Q36.5 on Monday, just one day after he sealed a breakout pro GC victory at the Czech Tour.
August, who hit the WorldTour with Ineos Grenadiers as a junior in 2024, will join the hugely ambitious team of Tom Pidcock on a three-year deal.
Pinarello-Q36.5 said Monday in a team statement it plans to put August through a development program that will help him realize his raw talent.
“We believe Andrew has all the attributes to become one of the leading riders of his generation,” said team principal Douglas Ryder.
“He is ambitious, committed to his development, and constantly looking for ways to improve,” Ryder said. “Just as importantly, he has the mindset and professionalism required to succeed at the highest level of the sport.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Hailing from Rochester, New York, August tore through the U.S. junior ranks with the Hot Tubes devo squad before he jumped to the WorldTour.
He won the junior national championships in 2022 and backed it up on the road the following year by taking the stars and stripes at the junior national TT.
August initially struggled to find his form racing in Europe with Ineos until things clicked into place in 2026.
Two stage wins and the overall last week at the Czech Tour pad an impressive palmares for the year that already included a WorldTour win at the Itzulia Basque Country.
August ‘a long term development project’
August is the latest in a flurry of signings for Pinarello-Q36.5.
The second-division Swiss team has been making waves in the transfer market as it looks to build around Tom Pidcock and push for WorldTour status.
August joins Sebastian Berwick, Pavel Pittner, and Tour de France stage-winner Mauro Schmid as a new signing for a team willing to invest for success.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ryder’s squad reportedly offered Paul Seixas a contract worth €13m per season before the French sensation shut down the possibility of a move from Decathlon CMA GGM.
Pinarell0-Q36.5 boss Ryder made it clear Monday that August won’t be stuck on bottle duty when he joins a busy team roster in 2027.
“At only 20 years old, Andrew already has valuable WorldTour experience, and what stands out is how quickly he continues to develop,” he said. “His performances this season, including two stage wins and the overall victory at the Czech Tour, show both his talent and his ability to turn potential into results.
“Our goal is to provide him with the environment, support and opportunities to continue that progression,” Ryder added. “We see this as a long-term project and are excited to help him take the next steps in his career.”
August was touted to be making his grand tour debut with Netcompany Ineos this summer at the Vuelta a España.
The team has not yet confirmed its roster for the race, which starts this weekend.
De Lie leaves Lotto for Tudor
Also Monday, Tudor Pro Cycling confirmed the signing of Arnaud De Lie.
The Belgian speedster was once touted one of the hottest fast-finishers in the bunch but has been persistently set back by illness.
The 24-year-old will join Tudor from 2027 on a four-year deal. His departure will mark the end of an era for Lotto-Intermarché after the Belgian came throught ts development program in 2021 and has been the center of its ambitions ever since.