up for his first Monument with the squad at Milano–Sanremo. On a day that saw Mathieu van der Poel claim a stunning victory ahead of Tadej Pogacar and Filippo Ganna in one of the most thrilling editions in recent memory, Pidcock was left reflecting on what might have been.
The British rider’s race was derailed by a crash at the foot of the Cipressa, which left him out of position just as the key attacks were made. Speaking to Wielerflits, he explained how the crash completely altered his chances.
“I started the first climbing sections of the Cipressa in a particularly bad position,” he said. “After the crash, I was too far back when Pogacar, Van der Poel and Filippo Ganna rode away. I didn’t see the front of the race again.”
The disappointment was clear, but for Pidcock, the race was also a milestone, not only was it his first Milano–Sanremo with Q36.5, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
“I know perfectly well what challenge I have signed up for,” he said. “But it is not just about me, it is about the team.”
His move to Q36.5 Pro Cycling surprised many. At 24, Pidcock is entering what many consider his peak years. Some questioned his decision to join a smaller, less established team instead of continuing with a WorldTour giant.
A lot of people wondered why I went here in my best years, because it was time to win,” Pidcock acknowledged. “But that’s not all for me. I think having fun is important, the story I write. Or the joy I get from what I achieve. I want to leave a legacy, which I give to people who watch me. We are entertainers – that’s what sport is all about. Earning the respect and admiration of people by the way you perform or win – that’s important to me.”
Pidcock has already had success in his short career with his new team, and finished second behind Pogacar earlier this month at Strade Bianche.
While comparisons to the likes of Van der Poel, Pogacar, and Evenepoel are common, Pidcock himself doesn’t see much validity in them.
“I don’t think you can compare me to them,” he said. “I’m a different rider, to be honest. Mountain biking is still my best discipline. On the road, I don’t have the sprint or pure power like some of them. Uphill, I’m more of an Ardennes guy. I climb better than Wout and Mathieu, but in the classics, I’m not as strong as them.”
He reiterated his individuality: “I think I’m quite a different rider to all of them. On the road, I perhaps don’t have the sprint or the raw power. On the climbs, I’m more of an Ardennes rider. I can climb better than Wout and Mathieu, but in the classics, I’m not as strong.”
Despite being known for his success across multiple disciplines – Olympic gold in mountain biking, world championship titles in cyclo-cross, and stage wins on the road – Pidcock maintains that his path will not necessarily mirror those of his rivals. His focus isn’t solely on victories, but on building a legacy that reflects who he is as a cyclist and as a person.
