Tom Pidcock admits issues within INEOS Grenadiers: "To be honest, they do not help me to perform optimally"

Cycling
Monday, 09 September 2024 at 09:19
tompidcock 2

Tom Pidcock has over the past few months been under a microscope when it comes to his possible departure from INEOS Grenadiers. At the ongoing Tour of Britain, he was asked about this topic, but gave an expectedly cryptic answer - one however where he admits that there are problems.

"As in so many seasons, there are now also positive and negative aspects. It is just so damn difficult to win," Pidcock said in words to Het Laatste Nieuws in the British race. He finished fourth on the opening day but then fell out of GC contention. "There are only a small number of riders who win the majority of the races and I want to be one of them. That is not the case now and that has to change".

The truth is Pidcock is one of the most talented riders on the planet and has just won the Olympic Mountain Bike title; but on the road it is not easy to win. His dream of fighting for the Tour de France also forces him to make difficult decisions, and often inconsistency has come in the way of results for the 25-year old.

INEOS Grenadiers has kept the same budget but over the past years has been overtaken by UAE Team Emirates and Team Visma | Lease a Bike in terms of results by a long shot. Recent situations like Dan Bigham's departure and DS Stephen Cummings' absence from a few recent races itself are further signs of a bad situation within the team. "Yes, it is true that there are a number of things within the team that I have to deal with at the moment. And to be honest, they do not help me to perform optimally".

A move had been rumoured to Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, but that remains unlikely due to his contract. However the topic is not closed, and Pidcock explains: "I have to think about much more than just performance-related matters at the moment. And that means that the focus on the things that are really important, namely racing, is not ideal. I have a contract until the end of 2027. I can't say more".

claps 6visitors 6
15 Comments
steeled 10 September 2024 at 15:26+ 2

It's clear to me that the Sky/Ineos project has now reached its conclusion and the set up should be disbanded at the end of 2025. It will not retain any kind of parity with other top funded teams and if ineos want spend money in cycling then they can sponsor a development team like Trinity who need another sponsor to continue or create a women's team which is where the growth in cycling is happening.

User Avatar
Senna1960 11 September 2024 at 05:42+ 282

Bring in Brad Wiggins to run the finance department.

KAT14sc09 13 September 2024 at 17:02+ 666

I's not just Pidcock that is a problem for INEOS the whole set up of the team is weak. They are behind in every aspect except rider care. In nutrition, engineering, science and inovation, racing tactics they are mid-table at best. The squad has too many older riders who are left over from the great years a total of 9 riders over the age of 34 which is more than any of the top teams. In addition they have 5 who are 20 years old or younger with no devo team to bring them on. I don't know the answers to all this but I would start by giving Luke Rowe a role on the racing side (he has a bit of that Portal calmness under pressure but quick thinking at the same time about him). Chris Froome in a position high up would be another good move as he will not settle for second best. The squad is set for 2025 so not much can be done there but the other areas can be addressed. It will be good for cycling if they can get back and challenge UAE and Visma (maybe Bora as well )at the very top. The more competition the better as far as I am concerned.

Veganpotter 09 September 2024 at 22:37+ 586

Not many people like Froome. You can't just throw a rider into management simply because they were managed into being successful

KAT14sc09 15 September 2024 at 23:33+ 666

It does not matter if many do not like him that is not his job. Also many people do like him and he would be a success. Not many like Plugge but his team are good for example. Not many like Le Fevere but his teams win. Not many like Gianetti but his team is the best. They all had to start somewhere.

nb 11 September 2024 at 01:15+ 62

Imo T.P is the current problem at Ineos. He is bossing the team and the Director Sportives without the palmares to back it up. Bar a few postive results it is far more normal for T.P to fall short on the road despite having the full backing of the team. For me he is overrated and overpaid and he's not winning on the road because he lacks the legs but more importantly the race craft to win. How on earth he missed the attack and split on stage 2 ToB is inexcusable. Only got himself to blame for not being near the front and in the wrong position and not anticipating such a move. Imo I think it would be better for Ineos if he did leave rather than them putting all their eggs in the Pidcock basket.

Veganpotter 13 September 2024 at 09:42+ 586

He's absolutely worth his pay for his mountain bike results alone. Even if he only gave out bottles and musettes for PR on the road, he'd be worth what he's being paid. *Yes, he's makes questionable decisions on pavement. Some may be due to how good he is for hour long, technical efforts.

petjo 11 September 2024 at 01:16+ 25

Pidcock has a road contract with a road team. It seems very much like he's been given the green light to do what he wants and not what he's contracted to do. He must be laughing all the way to the bank with such a great contract and so little expectation. I wonder if this is the problem Steve Cummings has with him. Narcissistic approach it seems.

vappaxbipmv 13 September 2024 at 17:08+ 736

Stop racing cyclo-cross and MTB and focus on the road... You can't focus on the road 80% and expect 100% results

mij 13 September 2024 at 17:08+ 729

And really it is probably more of a 50% focus

mobk 12 October 2024 at 10:24+ 1519

Looking at Pidcock’s road results it’s hard to justify the statement that he is “one of the most talented riders on the planet”. Top tier for sure. But up there with 50 other guys. MTB he is an absolute phenomenon for sure. But can’t help feeling the British cycling press overhypes his results and perhaps overhypes his potential as well.

nb 09 September 2024 at 18:17+ 62

100%

j20whales 13 September 2024 at 04:16+ 44

Pidcock's unwillingness to ride for anyone but himself must create constant tension with any other team member. He's not a team player, perhaps that's why he does well at MTB but poorly on the road. Ineos would be better off without his diversive and self centred petulance.

User Avatar
santiagobenites 09 September 2024 at 21:29+ 1651

Clearly Ineos Grenadiers are not helping anyone to perform optimally at this point.

abstractengineer 13 September 2024 at 17:10+ 3084

There are problems with Ineos for sure but Pidcock's issues are 50% from his side as well.

Just in

Popular news

Latest comments