"Everyone's outlook on races has changed a little bit because we're dealing with the next Eddy Merckx" - Tom Pidcock claims peloton is happy to settle for 2nd behind Pogacar

Tom Pidcock has done a hell of a lot in his career from Tour de France stage wins to Olympic gold medals and even World Championships titles in various disciplines. One thing that has proven illusive however, is a Monument win with a 2nd place at Liege-Bastogne-Liege in 2023 being the closest he's come.

With the 25-year-old Brit returning to Liege this Sunday, can he go one better and add arguably his biggest road win to date onto his palmares? Following a podium finish at La Fleche Wallonne in midweek, the Brit certainly heads into this one with confidence. "It was a good performance from me in the rain. Normally, I lose a bit of that kick and suffer, getting cold and staying warm. So I'm happy," he explains in a pre-Liege-Bastogne-Liege interview with Cycling Pro Net. "This year, I didn't really feel any fatigue from any of the races, so I think I've just been getting better from every race. I have a good feeling about tomorrow."

With the likes of Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel joining Pidcock on the startline in Liege, it's likely the race is going to explode early. As such, Pidcock has to be prepared for the early opening of the race-winning fight. "I think as soon as we turn from Bastogne, the race will just get faster and faster. La Redoute is the place the race will happen," he predicts. "But you never know. Maybe it will be somewhere else this year. Even earlier."

In terms of his own tactics, Pidcock is slightly reserved. "I don't think there's many cards to play. If you get a gap, if you go early, or you're allowed to... you'll need at least a minute before the descent to La Redoute because you'll lose 60 seconds there and on the climb even more," he says with a wry smile. "So I don't think there is much you're able to do except try and race when the race goes, and follow as best you can."

Pidcock is also well aware of the threat of Pogacar. "Look, we know how incredible he is. Everyone's outlook on races has changed a little bit because we're dealing with the next Eddy Merckx. So sometimes you can be happy with second," Pidcock concludes. "But that's not my mentality. We'll try to win. In Strade I wasn't close, but I was fairly close. It's not all over before we start."