Mauro Schmid, winner of stage 13 at this year's Tour de France, will leave Jayco-AlUla at the end of the season after signing a three-year contract with Pinarello-Q36.5.
The 26-year-old Swiss rider, the Australian team's leading UCI point-scorer this season with more than 2,500 points, has agreed terms that will keep him with the Swiss squad until at least the end of the 2029 season. He will arrive as one of the team's leaders, sharing responsibility with marquee signing Tom Pidcock.
Schmid has been a key rider for Jayco-AlUla since joining in 2024. Alongside his Tour stage victory, he won Coppi e Bartali in March and finished second at both La Flèche Wallonne and the Tour Down Under, before adding two more second places on stages 17 and 18 of this summer's Tour.
The rider said his connection with team manager Doug Ryder — who handed him his first professional contract at Team Qhubeka NextHash in 2021 — and the chance to join a Swiss outfit were decisive. "Doug gave me the opportunity to turn professional, so there was already a strong connection," Schmid said in a press release. "But what really convinced me was seeing how much the team has evolved over the last two or three seasons. Especially as a Swiss rider, becoming part of this project makes it even more special."
"Every season I've managed to take another step forward, but I still feel I haven't reached my full potential. I want to become an even more complete rider, improve my time trial and continue closing the gap in the biggest one-day races."
"I believe this environment gives me everything I need to keep progressing," he added.
Ryder believes the signing fits the culture the team is building. "Mauro is one of the most complete bike racers in professional cycling today. What has impressed us most is not only the results he has achieved this season, but the way he races—with intelligence, versatility and an unwavering desire to keep improving. Those qualities fit perfectly with the culture we are building at Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team," team manager Doug Ryder added.
"As a Swiss rider joining a Swiss team, there is a natural connection that makes this signing particularly meaningful. We believe our environment, working hand in hand with partners, will give Mauro every opportunity to continue developing, while his experience and feedback will help us continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. We're delighted to welcome him to the team."
Schmid is Pinarello-Q36.5's first signing ahead of the 2027 season. Around half of the squad is out of contract at the end of this year, with Australian Damien Howson having already announced his retirement.
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