Tom Pidcock's brother Joe on overcoming debilitating mental issues and turning pro - "The hardest part of it was I was incapable of helping myself"
Cycling
Cycling is an incredibly difficult sport phisically speaking, but psychologically it does not get any easier. In modern times, all riders need to have a very high level of professionalism from an early age, and Joe Pidcock - Tom's brother - talks about how the diagnosis and medication for ADHD completely changed his life and allowed him to improve significantly as a rider.
"November 2023 I started on ADHD meds soon after a diagnosis and it completely changed my life. It was as if I suddenly stopped walking through 3 feet deep water like I had all my life," Pidcock said in an Instagram post. "Within 4 months I won my first race in over 3 years. Another month later I won my first UCI race".
"It’s not like the meds are magic, they couldn’t fix my concussion or cure Covid that ruined the rest of my year, I still need to see a phycologist every week and I’m not saying I don’t have to work for what I want. But before I was always felt depressed and unmotivated. I had a hard time socializing, making and especially keeping friends. And that’s not just motivation for cycling, it’s everything".
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The younger Pidcock was part of Groupama - FDJ's continental team for two seasons, and for the past two years was part of the now disbanded Trinity Racing team. One of the best British promises out there, he reveals that up until the end of 2023 he suffered deeply with depression and undiagnosed mental illnesses. He details how difficult it was for him in a sincere publication.
"Like seeing friends, cooking dinner, texting my mum back, going to sleep, getting out of bed. I think the hardest part of it was I was incapable of helping myself. I didn’t even realize it wasn’t normal and I couldn’t have sorted any of this out without help," he shares.
"It was like having to learn everything in life at 21. I’ve come a long way but I think it’s fair to say I’ve still work to do. It’s very possible I have Aspergers and ADHD but I don’t think the label matters. I don’t want sympathy for any of this, I just think the world thinks ADHD just means you can’t sit still in school but from my experience it’s a lot more sinister than that".
In 2024 he took a step up, winning the final stage of the Dornan Rás Mumhan, the final stage of the Ronde de l'Isard, and putting in a few promising performances throughout the year that allowed the 22-year old to aim higher. With Tom Pidcock signing with Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team at the end of the 2024 year, his influence led the team to sign his coach Kurt Bogaerts, soigneur Xenia de Roose, but also to provide his brother with another opportunity as his team collapsed this winter.
"Basically I owe everything to my family for getting me to where I needed to be. I’d be a bit fucked without yous. Thanks mum, what I’m saying is, if you’re in a similar situation or you’re close to someone that is similar just start with a bit of research it could completely change your life," he continues.
Now part of a ProTeam and more motivated than ever, he is keen on proving himself in the pro peloton. "Now with Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team I believe I’ve found my new home I’m really grateful and excited for the years ahead. I wouldn’t have accepted a place here if I didn’t think I was capable. I’ll make sure it’s worth everyone’s time. Thank you to everyone that got me here and to everyone that will get me further".
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