Tom Pidcock admits issues within INEOS Grenadiers: "To be honest, they do not help me to perform optimally"
CyclingMonday, 09 September 2024 at 09:19
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".
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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.
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.