No leading role for Pidcock in Milan–San Remo, but team remains determined: “We’ll be back for more”

The day after—that’s one way to describe it. While many are still enjoying the aftermath of the epic battle between Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogacar, and Filippo Ganna, there were plenty of riders behind them who also hoped to play a major role but didn’t succeed. One of those names is Tom Pidcock, who was barely visible on screen during Saturday’s race. Now we know why, as his team Q36.5 shared an update on their Instagram page.

“289 kilometers—what a race,” began the Swiss team, which participated in Milan–San Remo thanks to a wildcard. “Today, as we approached the Cipressa, luck wasn’t on our side. Tom Pidcock was involved in a crash, which left him at the back of the peloton. Because of that, he was too far behind when the attacks started coming, and we weren’t able to play a role.”

Pidcock and team disappointed, but they'll definitely be back

Pidcock himself also shared a brief update on his Instagram, posting to his story: “Lying on the floor while the race started—big sad,” the Brit wrote. And rightly so—he likely would have been in the mix, especially after his impressive second-place finish behind the Slovenian in Strade Bianche.

Still, the team remains fiercely determined and is already looking forward to returning to La Primavera next year. “If it had been easy, it wouldn’t have Monument status. But we’ll be back,” the team concluded, full of resolve. And one rider who will certainly be back is Pidcock himself, as the Brit has repeatedly stated his desire to one day fight for the win in Milan–San Remo.

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Less luck for Martin Svrcek

While Pidcock still managed to finish 40th, in the chasing group that included all the outsiders—everyone except Van der Poel, Ganna, and Pogacar—Martin Svrcek of Soudal Quick-Step had less fortunate circumstances. The young Slovak, like Pidcock, crashed at the start of the Cipressa and, unfortunately, was unable to finish the race. His team shared an update on their website on Saturday evening.

“Martin, who was making his Monument debut, crashed during Milan–San Remo. He remained conscious after the fall but suffered multiple fractures, including a broken right collarbone, right shoulder blade, and several ribs. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where he will remain under observation for the next few days. We wish Martin a speedy recovery.”

Despite Svrcek’s terrible injury, the 116th edition of La Primavera saw a remarkably low number of DNFs. Only two riders did not start, and in the end, just four riders failed to finish. A total of 169 riders completed what many are calling one of the greatest editions of Milan–San Remo ever—a remarkable feat, considering they spent nearly 300 kilometers in the saddle.

Read also

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