On April 1, images from the Basque Country showed that Tom Pidcock had to be carried, unable to walk after his fall during time recognition. And fourteen days later, he won the Amstel Gold Race. Did this surprise you?
“Not really. Tom has a very good recovery ability. As there was no fracture, he was able to get back on the bike just three days after the fall. He impressed me with his calm. He never said to himself that he was going to start a time trial to be operational at Amstel. For him, victory in the Netherlands remained an achievable goal.”
How did he compensate for the lack of competition linked to his withdrawal from the Tour of the Basque Country?
”By training very hard and participating in Paris-Roubaix. It did him a lot of good. Physically and mentally. Having done well in the Hell of the North a week after his accident convinced him that everything was in order for the Ardennes week.”
He was very discreet at the start of the season. Was it deliberate?
“Yes. We have established his program so that he reaches peak form this week. He went from strength to strength until he won the Amstel Gold Race.”
So this victory was a concrete objective for him?
“Yes. Past results (2nd in 2021 and 3rd in 2023) gave us the conviction that he could win this classic.”
Of course we would like Tom to achieve in the Ardennes what van der Poel achieved during the cobbled classics.
Now, he will continue with Flèche wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Is he dreaming of a triplet?
”Of course we would like Tom to achieve in the Ardennes what van der Poel achieved during the cobbled classics, but it will not be easy. I think, in any case, that he is able to get involved in the fight for victory every time.”
He presents himself as the big favorite at the start of the Flèche wallonne…
”For me, he is one of the contenders for victory, not the big favorite. Don't forget that La Flèche is a special race that can come down to details, such as poor placement in the last turn. But his success at Amstel took some pressure off him. What happens now will be a bonus.”
We feel he is very focused on this race, the end of which he has already recognized on several occasions…
”Yes, the more you climb the Huy wall in training, the less risk you will have of crashing on the big day. We know how important it is to position yourself well and attack at the right time. At La Flèche, you really have to ride just right.”
Is Tom at the top of his game?
“We tried to make him the best possible but he's not the best version of Tom yet. He still has room for improvement.”
What does he need to improve?
”It's hard to say but I feel he can be a little stronger. Let’s say he fell a little behind by not participating in the Tour of the Basque Country.”
On Sunday in Liège, he will have to face van der Poel and Pogacar. Who is your favorite?
”Without a doubt, Pogacar. He has already won La Doyenne (2021). And if he still maintains the form of Strade Bianche, he will not be easy to beat. I expect him to take charge of the race. Tom must then be able to answer him. As for Mathieu, if he is 100%, he will fight to win, that’s for sure.”
What would be the ideal scenario for Pidcock?
”Arrive alone. But in the event of a small group sprinting, they need not fear anyone. It has already shown that after long races it is very effective. In any case, he should not be afraid to take Pogacar and van der Poel to the sprint.”
How come Tom is so versatile?
”There is talent and body type, of course. But his temperament contributes to his versatility. Tom likes to vary his pleasures and it works well for him. He manages to achieve a result in Roubaix (17th) without specific preparation. I am confident that he can aim for victory in all five monuments, although it will be far from obvious. We will also see how his career will evolve.”
What will be his objective at the Tour?
”Maybe a good place in the general classification. But we still need to talk about it.”
And then there will be the Games. Will he want to keep his mountain bike title?
”Yes, Tom would like to combine mountain biking and road racing.”
