Tom Pidcock already focusing on road season: 'I lack a bit in hours but I have the intensity'
The Ineos Grenadiers rider is confident despite low volume training
Fresh from winning the Cyclocross World Championships on Sunday in Fayetteville, USA, Tom Pidcock will quickly turn his attention to the road season as he prepares for the Spring Classics.
Mixing 'cross races with Ineos Grenadiers training camps over the past couple of months, Pidcock hasn't managed to build his road bike fitness as much as his teammates. However, the Briton is confident that his discipline juggling shouldn't hinder him in the new road season.
Speaking after the worlds on Sunday, Pidcock said: "I lack a bit in hours but I have the intensity," reports CyclingNews.
"It's a different way of going into the road. I'm not going to have a very long break but then kind of have a break in the middle of the year."
The Ineos Grenadiers rider stormed to victory at the Cyclocross World Championships last weekend, perfectly demonstrating his excellent form over an intense hour. Pidcock furiously shifted his pedals to build an insurmountable 30-second gap to his rivals during the race, maintaining his lead right until the finish line.
Pidcock will take a two-week rest in the intervening period between winning the 'cross worlds and his first road race of 2022, at the Volta ao Algarve from February 16-20. There is a possibility the 22-year-old will don the rainbow jersey in Belgium next Sunday though, but he acknowledged racing isn't the best idea.
He said: "I’m in Belgium next Sunday. I’m flying straight back from New York so I don’t think racing will be a good idea."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Despite planning to begin his road season with the double-header weekend at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, it seems Pidcock is unfazed by his supposed lack of preparation. After all, he just produced a hugely impressive performance last Sunday, highlighting his current level.
Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo are also in the Briton's sights, but he still seems undecided on the Ardennes Classics due to his Giro d'Italia debut in May. From there, he will take his aforementioned extended mid-season break to recover from a hectic schedule that began with 'cross races at the start of December.
Two more world championships in 2022 await Pidcock too, with the Mountain Bike World Championships in France in late August, followed by the Road World Championships in Australia in September.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Ryan is a staff writer for Cycling Weekly, having joined the team in September 2021. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before making his way to cycling. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer.
-
Collapsed lung, concussion and multiple fractures: Fundraiser set up for first ever Tour de France Féminin winner following crash
Marianne Martin crashed earlier in October and is looking to raise $20,000 to help her get back on her feet
By Adam Becket Published
-
Gravel riders - get ready, set, register! A guide to 2025's biggest gravel events and key registration dates
Here are the registration dates for gravel’s biggest events around the globe
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Paris 2024 Olympics mountain biking: Everything you need to know about the off-road events
Tom Pidcock, and Evie Richards amongst those fighting for medals
By Adam Becket Published
-
Tweets of the week: Pogačar can be beaten, Pidcock meets the royals, and Remco's an Arsenal fan
Sadly for Tadej Pogačar, serial winning doesn't seem to apply to go karting
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Wout van Aert gets on his dancing shoes and Tom Pidcock gets a new puppy
Bringing you your regular cycling social media roundup
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock to race against America's best at Bentonville's Little Sugar MTB
Mountain bike world champion Tom Pidcock will square off against USA's Keegan Swenson in Bentonville, Arkansas on October 15.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Tom Pidcock: Tour of Britain route 'not really ideal for me'
Brit says he wants to win home stage race, even if the course plays in Wout van Aert's favour
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Tom Pidcock jumps off a boat, bikes take over London, and one rider gets a cheeky Nando's
Here's what has piqued our interest on social media this week
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tom Pidcock out of Milan-San Remo with concussion
The 23-year-old abandoned Tirreno-Adriatico last week following a crash
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'Get riding with your mates, have fun': Tom Pidcock responds to safety critics over viral descending video
23-year-old features in 'sketchy' ride down Tuna Canyon descent video
By Adam Becket Published