Tom Pidcock "really enjoying the challenge" as he reaches first Tour de France rest day 7th in the GC

It's a different kind of challenge for Tom Pidcock at the 2023 Tour de France. Whilst last year he impressed as a stage hunter, taking the win atop Alpe d'Huez, this time around he's fiercely maintaining a general classification challenge and heading into the first rest day, Pidcock is well in the mix for the podium.

“I’m enjoying it. I’m getting a bit better. With each test I’m improving and staying near the front, it’s actually motivating me," said the 23-year-old INEOS Grenadiers rider in a rest day press conference. “Before if you’d said racing for top 10 I wouldn’t really be so bothered but actually now I’m really enjoying the challenge and each little win."

With Pidcock currently in 7th in the general classification and alongside teammate Carlos Rodriguez who currently sits in 4th, the INEOS Grenadiers enter the first rest day of the race in a strong position, maintaining their two-pronged bid for the podium.

“I wouldn’t normally have the patience and focus required for three weeks riding the GC, it’s not really in my characteristics but now I’m kind of enjoying it. It’s my first actual time riding with senior pros in a proper stage race like this, it’s all kind of new and I’m enjoying it," says Pidcock. “I’m growing in confidence and just exploring my limits.”

On the stage 9 summit finish atop the infamous Puy de Dome, Pidcock was fourth amongst the GC riders, putting time into the likes of Jai Hindley and Rodriguez. “Yesterday was a great day and if I can replicate that again, that’s fantastic,” Pidcock said. “The next two weeks now, there are some pretty tough days ahead, back-to-back days and three days in the Alps and it’s going to be a big test."

“Week two into week three is where cracks start to show. My goal is to be consistent," the Brit concludes. "Personally, in my head, it’s becoming more of a challenge and a target to see where I can go on GC because I’m enjoying it. If that means I don’t get a stage win maybe that’s the case but I feel I can learn a lot about myself if I fully commit to the GC now.”