Pidcock felt forced to go for a Tour classification: "It was what I had to say"

The relationship between Tom Pidcock and INEOS Grenadiers remains fragile, like a tightrope both parties are balancing on. One wrong move, and they fall off. This was evident once again during Rouleur Live in London, where cycling journalist Daniel Benson was present. Although it was announced beforehand that the British rider would not comment on his collaboration with the team, he just couldn't resist, even in the presence of three senior INEOS officials. The combo of Pidcock and keeping diplomatic silence... that remains a challenge.

Pidcock certainly did not have a bad season this year, but it still feels somewhat disappointing. The disappointments in the Tour de France and the autumn races, combined with internal tensions and media turmoil, have taken their toll. For a moment, it even seemed like he would leave the team. This would almost make one forget that Pidcock became Olympic mountain bike champion this year, won the Amstel Gold Race, and achieved some other good results here and there. But from the Tour onwards, things went downhill, and that also bothers Pidcock.

The Brit spoke candidly about La Grande Boucle. "It was tough. I didn’t win a stage, the team didn’t have the success they were used to, and it was hard. I need to try to find those early feelings again: just having fun and feeling like I am really part of the race. I think part of the problem is that expectations have grown over the past few years, and I didn’t meet them for various reasons."

In addition, Pidcock felt forced to say he was going for the general classification. "It was what I had to say," he admitted. "I never say anything I don’t believe in, but in the past few years, I didn’t really know what I wanted and said what everyone wanted to hear. That doesn’t make for an enjoyable experience. I want to figure out what I want to achieve and be realistic with my goals."

Although the interview had clear taboo subjects, things still went slightly 'awry', if you will, when presenter Matt Stephens brought up the INEOS training camp in Manchester. Stephens asked Pidcock if he now felt he was in a happier and clearer position. The short and sharp answer: "No." An answer that the people in the room found amusing, but which was not very appreciated by the INEOS representatives in attendance.

Still, Pidcock nuanced his statements somewhat later. "I will never lie. It is true that we had a difficult year, and so did I. Of course, everyone accepts that there are difficulties with changes, and we are seeing those changes now. I really hope it turns out well."

The statements of the now 25-year-old rider indicate that he will take a different approach in 2025, with different goals. Another British Tour victory? That ambition seems to be shelved for now. "I want to focus more on my love for the classics and one-day races again. I want to have fun again, enjoy the races." And as for cyclo-cross? The fans should not expect much. Pidcock hinted that he might do a few cyclo-cross races, but without major ambitions.

The evening ended with applause, but everything indicates that the tensions between Pidcock and INEOS are not over. Journalist Benson, who sat next to the INEOS leadership, could tell. "The drama is clearly not over yet."