BOLZANO – We have learned to know Q36.5 for the continuous search for innovation in the textile fieldIn 2023, the Bolzano-based brand also entered the competitive arena with its professional team. Last week, we participated in the training camp di Q36.5 at Lake Caldaro, where we delved into the behind-the-scenes of the team and the Italian brand. We took the opportunity to interview Luigi Bergamo, CEO and Head of R&D at Q36.5, and Vincenzo Nibali, brand ambassador and consultant for the team.
As regards the sporting side, in the short term the ambition is to participate in the Giro d'Italia and in three or four years there is the desire to make the leap to the WorldTourOn the product side, however, we had confirmation that in the Bolzano offices, the word innovation is a dogma that involves all three points of contact of the bike, including chamois, gloves, and shoes in continuous evolution.
Knowing how to test
Q36.5's mission is to create products that adapt to every cyclist's needs with top-notch comfort and performance standards. The mantra is written in the brand's name, create technologies that maintain ideal and constant body temperature in every situationThe professional team plays a fundamental role in this, namely that of being the testing ground par excellence.
"It's always a bit difficult – explains Luigi Bergamo – within a team, to find people who have that sensitivity, because many say 'yes, it's good' or 'no, it's not good'. However the problem is understanding what you need to fix. Our internal fortune is that we are all a little bit cyclists and also thanks to those who work with us and have practiced cycling at a professional level, like Ivan Santaromita or Mario Kummer, we also manage to correct and understand how to best develop the products during the development phase. We have some guys from the Pro Team who have given us some feedback to improve them. But above all, it has also helped us to verify them with the stress test par excellence: that is, professional use.
«The other important aspect – says Bergamo – is that we care to understand the lifespan of the product, therefore in the sense of durability, if there's something in the material that needs fixing. I don't know, maybe the position of the stitching that needs moving, which could be annoying. Rather than the quality of the materials in terms of wear and tear."
Continuous innovation and optimization
Vincenzo Nibali ended his professional career exactly one year ago today. Today, he's a key figure for Q36.5 as a brand ambassador and product tester.
«Starting with the brand – says Nibali, who became a father for the second time in the same days – I was introduced practically immediately, so from November of last year until today. I can say I've tried on at least twenty items of clothing. Usually each brand has maybe three or four lines maximum for you to test, but having so many products to use and constantly develop had never happened to me before.
«This is also the beauty of Q36.5, which does not focus only on a single item, but has the aim of always and continuously developing new products for every type of sector., from mountain biking to gravel, from road to time trial, and finally triathlon. Lighter, more airy T-shirts with different pieces perhaps more suitable for winter, spring, autumn, and so on. There's great attention to detail in the product. Luigi (Bergamo, ed.), when he creates or studies something, follows it from start to finish. It's raising the bar in many ways. If I didn't know the brand and walked into a store, I'd be hard-pressed to leave empty-handed."
Bergamo's objectives
Not even a year old and the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team has already set the bar for objectives at a level that was unthinkable even just a few months ago.
«We are not WorldTour – says Bergamo – but professionals. We are fortunate to have partners like UBS or Breitling who give us the financial support to be able to compete.The team started at the last minute as an idea, a bit crazy if you like. Just think that work on building the team began from July 2022 onwards, let's say with a very tight deadline. However, despite everything, we managed, in my opinion, to create a good team. We can also see some young guys from the Continental Team who have performed well. It's always difficult to compete with the WT giants, especially in the first year. Even though we didn't participate in the Grand Tours, our athletes had the opportunity to show off their skills and, above all, the kids had a great experience.
"The goal for 2024," Bergamo explains, "is to continue growing. Five new positions have been added now, and the goal is to... climb the rankings and get these legendary points to be able to perhaps aspire to the big leap into the WorldTour in 2025 or 2026. The Giro d'Italia could be a first goalWe will do everything we can to be there, as an Italian brand, as a team with a strong Italian presence, from Moschetti and Conca, to Brambilla and the arrival of Nizzolo.
"In short, there are many Italians of value, even promising ones. In this period, let's say where the Italian circuit is perhaps a little, how shall I say, looking for talent, we have performers like Calzoni, a very young boy who shows great promise. Our presence at the Giro d'Italia would also be a recognition and a fair test.It would also be important for the team for visibility because being able to be there for three weeks would be the ultimate goal."
Nibali's balance sheet
The athletes wearing the Q36.5 jersey have raised their hands at the finish line seven times this year, capping off a positive year, but with plenty of room for improvement. Luigi Bergamo and his sponsors have significant ambitions. Vincenzo Nibali, with his 17 years of professional experience, has the task of understanding what needs to be corrected..
"I think the results are excellent," Nibali concludes, "because the team started this year with very strong ambitions. We immediately scored a great sprint victory with Moschetti and then many other successes followed. Clearly, we can't stop here; the team still needs to grow. There's still a lot of work to do, but we're off to a good start. We've positioned ourselves in the professional category, but we've already achieved some very good results. Taking the next step is certainly not easy, but there's room for improvement.
