Even Thomas doesn't know what to say about Pidcock: "The best-paid rider, what a messy situation"

It was a very eye-catching announcement so close to the Tour of Lombardy. Tom Pidcock did not start after suitable preparation, which indicated a good form of the Brit. The team management was pretty much unable to say anything about Pidcock's "deselection," which suggests a business decision on the part of the team. Even Geraint Thomas doesn't know what to think.

The Welshman addressed the situation in a conversation with Laurens De Plus broadcast on Eurosport. As it turns out, even the most experienced man on that team, who took third place in the Giro this year, doesn't know what to say about it. A growing number of teammates are speaking up for Pidcock, at least from a sports perspective, and are pointing the finger at the team management.

Read more below the photo.

Thomas talks honestly: "People around Tom don't really help either"

Thomas was visibly at a loss for words. "I heard and read that it was a decision from management, Zak Dempster said. I don't know anything about it either; we're just riders, and I don't know anything about management. Anyway, it's just not right. Aside from all the drama, he's a fantastic cyclist. I also don't know what's going on with him beyond that."

Still, the 38-year-old veteran does have some sense that Pidcock has not surrounded himself with the finest people. "This is the best-paid rider on the team, and he was really in shape and can't compete for prizes. It's a messy situation. Neither he nor the team are happy. How did it get to this point? I don't think the people around Tom are helping much either."