Updated November 2, 2025 04:39PM
Tom Pidcock may have had a muted performance in the Giro d’Italia, suffering from what his coach said were the effects of an intensive spring of competition, but his Vuelta a España performance was a career-changing breakthrough.
Third overall in the race was a standout moment and something that has solidified his ambition to win a three-week race.
“I think a grand tour is not the thing I enjoy the most, but it is certainly the biggest challenge for me in any discipline, or any part of cycling,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport at the Gravel Burn in South Africa.
“So I definitely want to continue with that challenge, because the nicest thing is to have challenges and try to achieve them.
“I think it is going to be the hardest thing for me to achieve. But after the podium, I believe more and more.”
Pidcock was interviewed by former pro Maurizio Fondriest, who referred to his stage win in the Gravel Burn and pointed out he has now taken victories in that discipline, in mountain bike, cyclocross, and road.
He has more or less stepped back from MTB competition in order to advance his road goals, but retains a major affection for it.
“Mountain bike I have the most enjoyment, for sure,” he said. “It is just a nice environment, it is relaxed, it is an enjoyable place to race and perform.
“I think I have the most talent for mountain bike, so it is easier, isn’t it?”
Still, given his statement about relishing challenges, he’ll put that wing of the sport to the background and will continue to prioritize his road career.
‘I’m behind every decision’
Pidcock has serious clout with the team, and likely had a big say in Pinarello coming on board as the bike sponsor in 2026. He rode these bikes offroad this year, including in the gravel world championships, but looks set to be astride the brand in all events next year (Photo: Dirk Waem/Belga via AFP)
Moving to Q36.5 Pro Cycling was all about advancing that goal. He was one of the top riders at Ineos Grenadiers but, Alpe d’Huez stage win aside, things didn’t really click in grand tours. The split leadership also distracted him and he opted to end his contract early, exit the squad and sign for Q36.5.
It’s a much smaller squad than Ineos, and is a UCI ProTeam rather than one from the top-level WorldTour. However he sees a major benefit from the change.
“I feel very involved with the team in general. With not just the sporting side, but also in making decisions and helping the team grow,” he told Fondriest. “That really excites me, because then I’m behind every decision. It definitely feels like it is partly my project.”
That project is growing next season with the signing of several important names. These include riders of the caliber of Eddie Dunbar, Fred Wright, and Chris Harper. Also coming on board is the sprinter Sam Bennett, who was confirmed this week.
Speaking to Velo this week, the Irishman explained the move and why he believes it will be key to getting his career back up to speed.
He also spoke about racing alongside Pidcock and Dunbar, and how he feels that would work out.
“Of course I have a great relationship with Eddie, and I think I have a good relationship with Tom,” he said.
“The two of us are petrol heads as well, so we have that in common. And then I have a great interest in mountain biking and cyclocross, and I respect him as a rider as well.
“Then with Eddie, he’s kind of like a younger brother to me as well at this stage. To be alongside them is going to be good fun as well. I think at a certain point as well, I’ll be given a dig out for those guys too. I mean, I won’t be deep into the race where they’d be racing, but I’d certainly have a part, I think.
“But then just even at the training camp, having them at the dinner table or whatnot, being great company. I think it’d be quite fun, actually.”
‘A rider like that lifts the team’
Tom Pidcock in Il Lombardia 2025 (Photo: Silvia Colombo/NurPhoto)
Pidcock will be the undisputed leader again next season but the strengthening of the team will take pressure off his shoulders and ensure that others are contributing to the success.
It will also give him stronger backing in races, and thus be better able to take on the big GC riders in the sport.
There is precedent for this kind of approach.
Bennett made his pro debut with the NetApp Endura team, and saw it gradually expand into Bora-Hansgrohe. It is now bolstered by the clout of Red Bull and has become one of the top teams in the sport.
He envisages a similar effect happening at Q36.5 Pro Cycling.
“You can see how Pidcock performed there,” he said.
“Having a rider like that lifts the team. You could see how their presence in the bunch was bigger this year, the jersey had more stature in the peloton.
“It’s similar to what [Peter] Sagan did. He was such a big name in the sport, he went to Bora, they went World Tour, they created a big machine there. And you can see the same happening with Q36.5.
“It was a huge step when Pidcock came and how the team lifted, and I think they’re going to grow again next year. To be part of that is fantastic.”
A video by Cyclism’Actu documenting Pidcock’s participation in the NedBank Gravel Burn Race 2025