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Tom Pidcock, the multi-faceted cycling talent of Ineos Grenadiers, has ambitiously set his sights on competing fiercely in the Tour de France and defending his Olympic mountain bike cross-country (XCO) gold from Tokyo. This challenge is made all the more daunting given a mere eight-day gap between the conclusion of the Tour and the XCO race at Paris 2024.
Speaking to the Red Bull's Just Ride podcast from Canada, where he competed in the MTB World Cup's final round, Pidcock underscored the importance of securing points in North America. This could play a pivotal role in his preparation for the approaching Tour and the intense summer season.
He stated, "The races I'm doing now will set me up better for next year. This means I won't have to compete in the mountain bike races during spring." Reviewing his Tour de France journey, Pidcock lamented not achieving as much as he did during his 2021 debut.
That year saw him claim a historic victory at L'Alpe d'Huez. However, the 2023 season was marked by challenges, including the onset of heatstroke on stage 14, which saw him finish 13th overall.
Pidcock's 2023 Journey
Nonetheless, 2023 wasn't devoid of achievements for Pidcock.
He started his road season with a spectacular solo victory at Strade Bianche. But a series of accidents, health issues, and a concussion impeded some of his summer objectives. Commenting on his progress, he said, "I believe I've made significant strides this year.
Winning the MTB Worlds was my main objective." Pidcock has an innate racing style that demands relentless performance, regardless of the route. This can sometimes hinder his patience during the crucial stages of Grand Tours.
"I get a bit impatient on easy days," he admitted. While he aspires to claim the Tour de France title one day, Pidcock believes he needs to cultivate more patience. The young Brit remains non-committal about dedicating his entire focus to the Tour.
He believes that his mountain biking and cyclocross ventures enhance his overall form, stating, "The best out of me emerges when I am happy and enjoying my races." Concluding his chat, Pidcock candidly shared his views on the Olympic MTB test event track at Elancourt Hill, saying, "I wasn't that impressed.
They could have made it more exciting." His sentiment echoes that of fellow multi-discipline cyclist, Mathieu van der Poel, who also juggles goals between the Tour de France and the Olympics.