Tom Pidcock, 4th amongst GC riders on Puy de Dome: "I will try to win a stage, which is difficult when you are close in the overall"

The Puy de Dome stage was a monumental challenge for the Tour de France riders. Tom Pidcock, after finishing fourth among the favourites (ahead of teammate Carlos Rodriguez), expressed his satisfaction with his performance on the stage.

"I'm very happy, it's been a strange day," commented Pidcock. "It looked easy, but obviously on this road it's not easy. In the last part there was a crosswind, I thought there was going to be a bigger group," added the young rider.

The British rider acknowledged the team's pivotal role in his success on the Puy de Dome stage. "The guys did a great job of keeping me and Carlos well positioned. That was key," said Pidcock. Teamwork and collaboration between the riders became essential on a stage as demanding as this one, and Pidcock stressed the importance of having a solid team to stay in the fight.

As for his position in the overall standings and his relationship with his teammate, Carlos, Pidcock acknowledged that he is somewhat behind. "We are both in contention for the overall, he has started the race better and is in a better position in the standings," he admitted. However, the young British cyclist is not discouraged and is determined to keep fighting for the overall classification. "We've taken all the seconds we can here," Pidcock emphasized. His determination and competitive mentality allow him to keep alive the hope of improving his position in the general classification as the race progresses.

Although Pidcock is focused on the general classification, he also has another goal in mind: winning a stage. The British rider is aware of the difficulties involved in achieving that when you're near the top of the general classification. "Finishing in the top 4 overall is fantastic, but I will try to win a stage, something that is difficult when you are close in the overall," Pidcock expressed. His ambition and motivation drive him to go for a partial victory, which would add a highlight to his young professional career.