"We probably underestimated Corbin Strong" - Tom Pidcock reacts to narrow GC defeat at Arctic Race of Norway 2025

Tom Pidcock came within seconds of the overall victory at the 2025 Arctic Race of Norway, but after a tightly-contested final stage in the majestic northern landscapes, it was Israel – Premier Tech's Corbin Strong who stood atop the GC podium. The 25-year-old New Zealander displayed tactical poise and resilience to fend off a persistent Pidcock, whose late-race attempts to overhaul the deficit ultimately came up just short.

“It would have been nice to win,” reflected a candid Pidcock afterwards, content to settle for second place overall. “There was nothing more I could do today, because Israel was super strong and did a great job.”

The Brit had trimmed the GC gap to just five seconds after edging Strong in the intermediate sprint on the final stage, but despite his team’s aggressive tactics in the closing kilometres, the elusive time gap never opened. Pidcock waited, searched, and ultimately ran out of road.

“I was waiting for the right move, because I thought the difference would be made on the climbs — but the race was not long enough for that,” he explained. “We tried our luck in the final sprint, but my sprint was not perfect.”

With a parcours that offered no high mountain summit and a finale suited to puncheurs rather than pure climbers, Pidcock was forced to chase marginal gains — bonus seconds, late attacks, and tactical pressure. “In hindsight, I should have attacked earlier on yesterday’s climb,” he admitted, alluding to Stage 3’s missed opportunity despite the stage win. “But it’s easy to say that now.”

While the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team played an animated race — sending Marcel Camprubi up the road late on the final stage — Israel – Premier Tech controlled what mattered, with Pidcock admitting his team didn't expect Strong to be so strong. “We probably underestimated Corbin, who is an incredibly underrated rider,” Pidcock said. “The Arctic Race of Norway is a great event to be a part of.”

Though disappointed, Pidcock was gracious in defeat — acknowledging not just his rival’s ride, but also the nature of stage racing: moments missed are often more decisive than moments seized. For Q36.5 and Pidcock, the takeaways are mixed — promising form, sharp instincts, and a reminder that in tightly controlled races, hesitation can be costly.