"The road season is so much more important to me" - Tom Pidcock considers cyclocross options as he looks to thrive in spring classics

Tom Pidcock has an unique skillset that propels him to the top of cycling on several different disciplines, but in 2023 he will prioritize the road. This comes despite his current rainbow jersey in cyclocross.

“I was tired, especially mentally,” Pidcock told Het Nieuwsblad. “I was also frustrated and disappointed after the mountain bike worlds (where he finished 4th, ed.), which was difficult due to illness, among other things. The week after the world championships I just didn’t want to ride any longer.”  

This took place in late August. Pidcock rode the Tour of Britain the week after, finishing second as the race was cancelled halfway through. He didn't travel to Australia for the World Championships however where he would be a contender, and finished his season there, instead looking to take a break from cycling.

"The World Championship is very late this time, isn't it?" he questioned regarding the Cyclocross World Championships in Hoogerheide, which will take place in the 5th of February, two months before the main spring classics. "If you peak for this Championship and then you have to prepare for the Classics. The road season is so much more important to me," he admited.

"That's how I feel this year too. In 2023 I especially want to perform consistently in those spring Monuments. If I succeed, the results will follow. If you're up front with everything, you get more options," he continued. Despite having the talent, his inconsistency saw him miss out on Top10 results at his main spring goals such as the Tour des Flandres and the Ardennes classics. He took a win in the Tour de France which saved his season, but overall it wasn't a positive year on the road.

“I finished the season in good shape, but after that mental blow in the cross-country of Les Gets, it was just too much to suddenly focus on the world championships on the road. The season was successful in a way, but there were also many lesser moments. Issues. Speed ​​bumps on the road," he admitted. “I did have some good moments, like in Dwaars door Vlaanderen and the Brabantse Pijl, but if you’re not in your rhythm, you don’t race with too much confidence – that affects your results. Then even on a good day you can’t get the best out of it.”

“I don’t expect to win my first ‘cross or ‘crosses. Look at the past two winters – my first races were never the best. They serve to gain rhythm," he said before today's race at the Superprestige Merksplas.

"Two years ago I had to wait for the fourth cross, last winter it was in the third. I hope we get to see the real Tom Pidcock in the second or third cross weekend. I’m looking forward to it a lot more than last winter. Crossing means suffering, but also enjoying it at the same time, because I want to honor that jersey as much as possible. I think I’m ready," he continued.

However, he remains keen on prioritizing the road calendar. “If it were only up to me, I would ride the Tour every year. I would love to be there again next summer," he revealed. "I now know what to expect. With a little better preparation it can become yet another experience. I’m not going to win the Tour, but who knows, maybe I’ll compete for it in a few years.”

“It is my intention to be part of a good starting row for the Paris 2024 MTB race. But first things first, and that is now cross, but above all the road," Pidcock concluded.