‘Racing at the Tour is just full gas all the time’ - Tom Pidcock looks back on ‘explosive’ Tour de France debut
British rider explains the need to sacrifice aims in the classics for future Tour de France general classification bid
![Tom Pidcock](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zF9VTiehBB3gqLANpwh3QF-415-80.jpg)
Tom Pidcock has all the talent needed to attempt to win a future Tour de France, but says that in order to tackle the “explosive” general classification racing, he would need to put aims in the spring classics temporarily to one side.
Reflecting back on his breathtaking Tour de France debut at Rouleur Live in London, the British rider explained that the French grand tour was “a completely different beast” to any other races he had experienced before.
Pidcock told Cycling Weekly that his experiences at the sharp end of the action were completely eye opening.
He said: “Racing at the Tour is just full gas all the time. When you’re going up the long climbs and you’re at threshold, and then you’re attacking each other it’s just so explosive. It’s really like nothing else.”
“I think in some ways, if you wanted to win the Tour then you would need to sacrifice the classics that season. You couldn’t do them all.” he added.
After storming to two successive Tour de France victories in 2020 and 2021, Tadej Pogačar missed out on the overall victory to Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard at this year’s race.
Meanwhile Pidcock finished 16th overall and spent several days in the white jersey. He also took a sensational maiden Tour stage victory on the mythical Alpe d’Huez climb.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The British rider told the audience at Rouleur Live that his experiences of the huge crowds on the legendary climb were simply incomparable to any other sporting arena.
“I remember the crowds more than anything on Alpe d'Huez,” he said. “At times it just seemed like there was no road in front of me, then suddenly people would move and you would be able to ride through.”
“I don’t think you could experience that anywhere else or in any other sport,” he added.
Pidcock was present in Paris for the recent unveiling of the 2023 Tour de France route, and explained that the punchy opening stages in the heart of the Spanish Basque Country could ignite drama from the very beginning.
He said: “I think it looks hard and there’s no easing into it. Straightaway there will be possibilities for the GC to make time.”
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
Tom has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2022 and his news stories, rider interviews and features appear both online and in the magazine.
Since joining the team, he has reported from some of professional cycling's biggest races and events including the Tour de France and the World Championships in Glasgow. He has also covered races elsewhere across the world.
As well as on the ground reporting, Tom writes race reports from the men's and women's WorldTour and helps with coverage of UK domestic cycling.
-
Unbound Gravel lottery opens two months early, ensuring riders are 'more prepared than ever'
Registration for the 2025 Unbound Gravel will open on Friday, November 1, 2024, and close two weeks later, on November 15. Lottery winners will be announced on November 21, 2024.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Star triathlete Taylor Knibb to take on world's fastest cyclists in the Olympic time trial
Colorado-based 26-year-old Taylor Knibb will be representing Team USA in both the individual time trial and triathlon at the Paris Olympics.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Tadej Pogačar broke 288 Strava KOMs during Tour de France victory
Slovenian won his third Tour title in Nice last weekend, and picked up a host of new trophies on Strava
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Primož Roglič reveals he suffered back fracture in Tour de France crash
Slovenian abandoned race after being caught up in crash on stage 12, Vuelta a España participation now in doubt
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
It's time to stop expecting so much of Ineos Grenadiers at the Tour de France
The British team are always under pressure to match their past best, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon
By Adam Becket Published
-
'A bigger result than winning': Jonas Vingegaard hails second place at the Tour de France
It turns out second place is not always 'first loser'
By James Shrubsall Published
-
'Even if I never come back to the Tour de France I will be satisfied': Tadej Pogačar revels in third victory
Three Tour de France wins before turning 26, the Giro-Tour double, the suggestion of a triple crown. Records tumble for the Slovenian
By Adam Becket Published
-
Remco Evenepoel: No one should doubt me anymore
The Tour de France's third-placed finisher suggests that he will have to reduce his time trial work if he is to beat Tadej Pogačar
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Tadej Pogačar: 'There will always be doubts... but cycling is the cleanest sport'
Tour de France champion addresses critics, saying it would be "super stupid" to dope
By Adam Becket Published
-
How Tadej Pogačar created history and won the Giro d'Italia-Tour de France double
A journey that was supposedly fraught with risk and uncertainty was anything but for Giro d'Italia and Tour de France victor Tadej Pogačar
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published