“I’m waiting for the days when it counts” – Tom Pidcock explains quiet start to the Vuelta a Espana

Tom Pidcock has kept a low profile during the opening week of the Vuelta a España, much like his approach earlier this year at the Giro d’Italia. Now leading Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team in his first season since departing the INEOS Grenadiers, Pidcock insists his quiet start is part of a deliberate strategy as he adjusts to the demands of racing for the general classification. The British rider explained in an interview with Velo that the race will only truly come alive once the high mountains arrive.

“The Vuelta’s been quite uneventful,” Pidcock said at the start of Saturday’s stage to Velo. “Yesterday was hard, Andorra was hard. You will see what happens when we get to the stage when the differences will be made. The GC is still very close right now.” Pidcock acknowledged that while the race has had some challenging moments, he is pacing himself for when the gaps between contenders inevitably widen.

So far, Pidcock has felt comfortable with his form, choosing not to expend unnecessary energy during the opening days. Instead, he is biding his time for the perfect moment to attack.

“I felt pretty good. I think I’m waiting for the days when it actually counts,” he said. Looking ahead, he predicted mixed racing in the immediate stages. “I think there could be headwinds and head-cross, so I think we could have a stressful day, and then probably another uneventful day with a sprint at the end.”

With the majority of GC contenders like Jonas Vingegaard and João Almeida also riding conservatively, Pidcock noted the tactical intelligence within the peloton. “People are racing smart. Everybody knows what’s to come,” he said. “In these hilltop finishes, the real differences aren’t going to be made because they’re not steep enough. And especially the speed that we ride now, so people have been smart.”

The real test will arrive when the race tackles its most iconic ascents in the second and third weeks, including the dreaded Angliru. That is where Pidcock believes the drama will unfold. “When we get to these stages when the differences will be made, there will be big fireworks. Let’s see,” he said.

Meanwhile, UAE Team Emirates – XRG have attracted attention for their aggressive tactics, which some have criticised as wasteful. Pidcock, however, was quick to acknowledge their success. “Whatever people’s opinion is of how they’re racing, UAE’s got three stage wins, so you can’t really knock them.”