Big news! Tom Pidcock announces that he will skip the 2025 Tour de France: "When I come back it'll be with a refreshed energy"

In a significant announcement, Tom Pidcock has revealed that he will not participate in the 2025 Tour de France. The 25-year-old British rider shared his decision during an interview with BBC Sport, explaining his intention to take a year off from the prestigious race and return stronger in 2026.

"We'll have a year out from the Tour and try to get to the Tour 2026," Pidcock stated. "I'm happy I've got a year out from it, a break. When I come back it'll be with a refreshed energy."

Pidcock’s 2025 season will mark his first with Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, a move he made in December after three successful but challenging years with INEOS Grenadiers. Reflecting on the decision to skip the Tour, he added, "We don't have full control over the calendar – (we) have to get invited (to races). But in theory, we should have all the races that I want to do."

The transition to Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team represents a fresh chapter for Pidcock following a turbulent final season with INEOS Grenadiers. Reports indicated a disconnect between Pidcock and the team's leadership regarding goals and ambitions, which ultimately led to his departure.

As Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team does not hold a World Tour licence, the squad relies on wildcard invitations to compete in the sport’s biggest events. This lack of automatic qualification adds an additional layer of uncertainty to Pidcock’s calendar, including his potential participation in other major races.

Despite the challenges, Pidcock’s decision to step away from the Tour de France in 2025 suggests a focus on long-term goals, with the British star aiming to recharge and return to the race with renewed energy and ambition in 2026.