"There are at least five financially strong teams that would like to have him" - BORA - hansgrohe boss admits interest in Tom Pidcock

Reports circulated over the weekend that BORA - hansgrohe had begun talks to bring INEOS Grenadiers multi-discipline superstar, Tom Pidcock into their fold. A Red Bull-sponsored rider, the global drinks conglomerate's new backing of BORA seemingly makes any deal more likely.

When quizzed about the rumours of Pidcock by Eurosport, BORA - hansgrohe boss, Rolf Aldag admitted there is definitely interest on his side, although he stresses that BORA aren't the only team with a keen eye on the recent Amstel Gold Race winner.

“Pidcock is a super interesting rider, but not only for us. There are also UCI rules that we have to adhere to,” Aldag explains of the situation in conversation with Eurosport, admitting the fact Pidcock is still firmly under contract with the INEOS Grenadiers until 2027 will make any potential transfer more difficult. "He's still young and still has a lot ahead of him. There are at least five financially strong teams that would like to have him. But INEOS has him under a long-term contract."

Who these other teams showing interest in Pidcock are, Aldag does not name. For ex-pro turned Eurosport expert Jens Voigt however, the fact Red Bull will soon become named sponsors of the BORA - hansgrohe team, make them the clear front runners if the Brit were to move teams. “When Red Bull joins a team and there are already two guys with Red Bull helmets driving around in the peloton… then that is logically one of the first thoughts that I have,” Voigt explains.

Despite the new financial backing of Red Bull however, Aldag is keen to stress that the team's goals won't be achieved by throwing money about recklessly. "The message is not to just walk around with an open chequebook," he explains. "It is important to filter out very carefully: who only sees the big money and who really sees the sporting ambition? That's super important for us to find out."