"What happened to me was business" - Tom Pidcock on leaving INEOS, becoming a Grand Tour rider and his own self-belief

The past 12 months have seen a complete U-turn in Tom Pidcock's career, with a contract termination at INEOS Grenadiers leading him to go towards the small-level Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team in 2026, where he has found his best level and turned the Swiss team into another World Tour-level outfit. The Briton discusses what's next after a brilliant year and also explains further why he left INEOS in the first place.

"We accepted that it might be a bit of a write-off, a kind of transition to build for the future. But in the end, it went really well. I was in the best shape of my life," Pidcock said in words to Cyclingnews. "I only see myself developing further this year and being even better next year. We will also have more time and more knowledge, thanks to new people on the team and in my personal team". 

Pidcock's move to Q36.5 was motivated by Pinarello and its owner Ivan Glasenberg who owns the team, but it turned out to be the perfect move. Without the overwhelming pressure and disagreements with the team management, he was free to follow his ambitions and program, and found his winning ways right after moving to the team. And then with podium places at Strade Bianche, Flèche Wallone and a very strong Tirreno-Adriatico, we knew the best Pidcock was back.

But it was at the Vuelta a España that we could really be proved that, as he succeeded in what he never managed to at INEOS: Finish a Grand Tour within the first. He joined Jonas Vingegaard and João Almeida in the final podium, with an active race that would've likely also featured a stage win if it weren't for the protests that neutralized several stages.

It is simply a different Pidcock this year, who has been consistent and showed his true level - without neglecting mountain biking, where he also won in the summer. "Confidence and the belief of everyone around me, that was important. Then there was also the knowledge and professionalism, including in training and nutrition. It's the highest level I've ever reached".

"I really feel involved and part of the wider team, instead of just racing and being a leader. That's something I really enjoy. I think I show leadership on the bike, but also off the bike. I help the team grow and assist in decision-making."

In August he put in a stellar climbing performance at the Arctic Race of Norway and the Vuelta was simply a game changer for him. "Especially with the Vuelta... performing in a Grand Tour is probably the biggest step I've ever taken in my career, and I enjoyed it too". However not everything is bright. "I don't really enjoy riding for the general classification, but I do enjoy things I'm successful in. That's why I'm a cyclist, after all. It definitely changes things in my own mind regarding Grand Tours."

But with the security that he can perform for three weeks, Pidcock now has a different motivation to add more top results to his palmarès. "It used to be a kind of goal in other people's minds that I never fully supported. Now it's a bit different. I see myself enjoying riding more Grand Tours, not just suffering for something that doesn't seem worth the suffering."

However which Grand Tour he will aim for next year very much depends on which one(s) the team is invited to. "Let's see what happens. I didn't miss the Tour this year, but it would be nice to return now that we've earned our place there. That gives it a little more meaning. I think if you enjoy something, you do it much better".

But Q36.5 does have more arguments to be invited towards the Grand Tours and classics, not only having Pidcock on board but also signing Chris Harper and Eddie Dunbar for the mountains; Quinten Hermans, Fred Wright and Brent van Moer as classics specialists and Tom Gloag as a strong talent in development who chose the Swiss team over Visma.

Water under the bridge, but asked about INEOS, which he left one year ago after being removed from the lineup for Il Lombardia, Pidcock still had a few words to let out:

"There wasn't a specific moment; it happened gradually. INEOS is a fantastic team, they have their own motivations, goals, and how they want to achieve things. Ultimately, what happened to me was business – it wasn't personal".