"I’m not going to talk about how to beat people" but Tom Pidcock believes he can take on Tadej Pogacar at Strade Bianche

Tom Pidcock has spent most of his January at altitude in Chile and has start off his racing campaign in 2026 with a bang at the Vuelta a Murcia. Although the second stage was ultimately cancelled, on the opening day he survived the crosswind chaos and put in a strong finale. He is going to be the prime favourite for the upcoming Clásica Jaén Paraiso Interior and will be using the Spanish race as specific preparation for Strade Bianche where he intends on challenging Tadej Pogacar.

“I think it’s the only one. They have similar conditions; it’s a very similar type of race. I’m curious to compete in it," Pidcock said in an interview with Marca. “It’s the best race for me at this time of year. I’m starting my season in Spain, and this race fits perfectly with what I want for myself.”

With the Vuelta a Murcia, Jaen and the Vuelta a Andalucia, the Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team rider will be building a strong racing base ahead of what is one of his major goals of the spring and entire season. There, he was the winner in 2023; and last year he was the only rider who managed to give Tadej Pogacar some sort of competition, matching his early attack on Monte Sante Marie.

This year he is returning and is most likely the one rider who can realistically aim to be near the World Champion, who will be starting his season in Tuscany But as to how Pidcock aims to do that, remains to himself.

“There’s no strategy. Everyone is beatable, that’s all I know. I’m not going to talk about how to beat people. It’s a question I always get asked. I don’t worry about that. I just worry about being in the best shape possible. But if you’re asking me if he’s beatable, then yes," Pidcock believes. "Everyone is beatable.”