ANALYSIS: Should Tom Pidcock leave INEOS Grenadiers?

The relationship between Tom Pidcock and INEOS Grenadiers has been one of the most intriguing in professional cycling. Pidcock, one of the sport’s brightest talents and a double Olympic Mountain Bike champion, is under contract with the team for several more seasons. However, there are clear signs that the relationship is strained, and with whispers of a transfer coming from the peloton, some believe it is time for Pidcock to consider moving on.

While he has demonstrated exceptional talent, particularly off-road, his performances on the road, particularly in stage races, have been below the high expectations many had for him after his 2022 Tour de France exploits.

Is Pidcock underperforming on the road?

Tom Pidcock is a generational talent, undeniably one of the most versatile riders in professional cycling today. His achievements off the road are impressive: double Olympic Mountain Bike champion, World Cyclocross champion in 2022, and World Cross-Country Mountain Bike champion in 2023. However, his results on the road, particularly in Grand Tours, tell a different story.

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Since turning professional, Pidcock has secured some major victories, including a stage win at the Tour de France in 2022, where his descent of the Col du Galibier and subsequent victory on Alpe d'Huez became legendary. He also won the Amstel Gold Race in 2024 and Strade Bianche in 2023, proving his one-day racing credentials.

However, for a rider touted as a potential Grand Tour contender, his results in stage races have not lived up to the hype. His highest overall finish in the Tour de France remains 13th, achieved in 2023. He failed to finish this year’s edition due to COVID-19, and Carlos Rodriguez, a younger rider on the same team, has surpassed him as INEOS’ main general classification hope. Despite his obvious talent, Pidcock has not yet developed into the GC contender that some expected after his 2022 exploits, leading to questions about his development within the team.

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INEOS Grenadiers’ struggles

INEOS Grenadiers, formerly known as Team Sky, has been one of the most successful teams in the history of professional cycling. Dominating the sport during the 2010s, they won multiple Tour de France titles with riders like Chris Froome, Bradley Wiggins, Geraint Thomas, and Egan Bernal. However, the team has faced a difficult period in recent years, culminating in a disappointing 2024 season.

Their performance in this year’s Tour de France was a low point, with Carlos Rodriguez’s 7th place finish being the only highlight. The team failed to win any stages and struggled to make an impact in the mountains, where they once reigned supreme. This drop in form has raised questions about the team’s future direction. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the team’s owner, has reportedly shifted his focus to football, particularly Manchester United, which has sparked speculation that cycling is no longer a top priority for the INEOS group.

INEOS are a far cry from their glory days during the 2010s

This uncertainty at the management level may be impacting the riders, including Pidcock. Once seen as a key figure in INEOS’ future, he now finds himself in a team that has lost its competitive edge at the highest level of stage racing.

Could Pidcock thrive elsewhere?

Given INEOS’ struggles and the reported tensions between Pidcock and the team, it’s not surprising that other teams are showing interest. Last week, Gazzetta dello Sport's Ciro Scognamiglio and Daniel Friebe reported significant interest from the Swiss ProTeam Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. This team, while not as prestigious as INEOS, is ambitious and looking to build a competitive roster. Rumours suggest that Q36.5’s owner, who recently bought the Pinarello bike brand which sponsors INEOS, is keen to sign Pidcock. The team is also backed by Red Bull, one of Pidcock’s personal sponsors, which adds to the incentive for the man from Leeds to depart INEOS.

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If Pidcock were to join Q36.5, it would be a seismic shift. Moving from one of the most successful teams in the World Tour to a relatively new ProTeam would be a bold decision, but it could also offer him the chance to become the team’s undisputed leader. This change of environment might allow him to focus on the aspects of racing where he truly excels, particularly one-day races and stage wins, rather than the GC focus that has eluded him so far at INEOS.

Should Pidcock focus on one-day races?

While Pidcock has undeniable talent, particularly on technical descents and punchy climbs, his future as a Grand Tour contender is less certain. The current era of cycling is arguably one of the most competitive in history, with riders like Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Primoz Roglic dominating the GC landscape. These riders are not only exceptional climbers but also time trial specialists, making it incredibly difficult for someone like Pidcock, whose skill set leans more towards explosiveness and technical skill, to compete consistently across three weeks.

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Perhaps the answer for Pidcock is to shift his focus towards one-day races and stage wins in Grand Tours. His victories in Amstel Gold, Strade Bianche, and his iconic Tour de France stage win in 2022 prove that he excels in epic one day races or individual stages. If he were to focus on the Classics and key mountain stages in Grand Tours, Pidcock could cement his legacy as one of the best all-rounders of his generation.

That said, it’s important to note that Pidcock is still just 25 years old. Many Grand Tour champions do not reach their peak until their late 20s or early 30s, so it would be premature to rule out his potential as a GC rider entirely. However, if he continues to focus solely on the Tour de France, where the competition is fiercest, he may struggle to achieve the results that his talent deserves.

Should Pidcock consider other Grand Tours?

Another option for Pidcock could be to shift his attention away from the Tour de France and towards the other Grand Tours: the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España. These races often feature less intense competition in the GC compared to the Tour, offering a potentially easier path to a high overall finish or even a victory. Many riders have used the Giro and Vuelta as stepping stones to success in the Tour, and this could be a path worth exploring for Pidcock.

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Riding the Giro or Vuelta would also allow Pidcock to gain more experience in GC battles without the immense pressure of the Tour. With fewer expectations and a less crowded field of top contenders, he might find it easier to develop his GC skills and confidence. After all, he has the raw talent, and with the right preparation and focus, there’s no reason why he couldn’t one day challenge for a Grand Tour podium.

Is the relationship with INEOS doomed?

The relationship between Pidcock and INEOS isn’t necessarily doomed, but there are clear signs that it’s under strain. The team’s recent struggles, combined with Pidcock’s lack of development as a GC rider, have raised questions about whether he is in the right environment to fulfil his potential on the road. If INEOS can refocus its efforts on one-day races and stage wins, Pidcock could still thrive within the team. However, if the team remains fixated on GC success, it may be in both parties’ best interest to part ways.

Ultimately, Tom Pidcock’s future is still bright, whether at INEOS or elsewhere. His versatility and talent are undeniable, and while he may not yet have fulfilled his potential on the road, there’s still plenty of time for him to do so. The key question is whether INEOS can provide him with the support and opportunities he needs to reach the next level, or whether a change of scenery is what’s required to unlock his full potential.