Tom Pidcock to miss cyclo-cross World Championships
British rider to opt for a shorter CX programme this winter, mainly during the Christmas period


Tom Pidcock will skip the cyclo-cross World Championships this winter, according to a report from Het Laatse Nieuws.
The report states that according to his coach, Kurt Bogaerts, the 24-year-old will instead ride a shorter cyclo-cross programme, mainly focusing on races and events during the Christmas period in December.
“There is currently no definitive, clearly defined winter program. But in any case it will be very focused, with an emphasis on the end-of-year period," Bogaerts said.
Similarly to last year, Pidcock will begin his CX campaign around mid-December before wrapping it up early in the new year ready to prepare for the Spring Classics on the road.
Pidcock reaped the benefits of operating in a similar way last season which culminated with him winning Strade Bianche in March.
“He contests a number of races during the busy end-of-year period. And then it doesn't last very long after that. A bit similar to last season. The World Championships? No, I don't think so," Bogaerts said.
Wout van Aert will also skip the cyclo-cross World Championships which are being held in Tábor, Czech Republic next year. Van Aert is also set to ride a similarly short cross programme as he builds towards his big goal, the Giro d’Italia, next May.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
In Pidcock and Van Aert’s absence, Mathieu van der Poel will be the outright favourite to retain the World title that he won in Hoogerheide, the Netherlands in February.
According to Het Laatse Nieuws’ interview with Bogaerts, the Tour de France and mountain bike events at the Paris Olympic Games will be Pidcock’s major goals next season.
“Make no mistake, Tom is really looking forward to cyclo-cross. But it remains an 'extra'. Although with great added value, as this year proved. He was there immediately, with a win in the queen stage of the Tour of the Algarve and the Strade Bianche,” Bogaerts added.
“It is important to properly substantiate his condition and ensure that he does not break down during the season. That works out well, because there have never been any spectacular dips so far.”
Meanwhile, Pidcock’s Ineos Grenadiers team will begin next season without the leadership of Rod Ellingworth, who is reported to have resigned on Friday morning.
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 major 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 focuses on coverage of UK domestic cycling.
-
Dr Sarah Ruggins breaks overall record for cycling length of Britain and back
Canadian only got into cycling a few years ago, but has now broken the LEJOGLE record
-
‘It’s a terrible idea and it’s really hard’ - Comedian becomes the first person to cover the US coast-to-coast on a BMX bike
Sebastian Fowler covered 3333 miles across 11 states in 80 days pedaling a 20-inch BMX bike loaded with 27 kilos of gear
-
More intensity, nutrition and freedom: inside Tom Pidcock's career-best form
The Briton is thriving at his new team, and has been competitive in one-day races and stage races so far in 2025
-
'I don't want to come away with any regrets' - Tom Pidcock promises attack, attack, attack at the Giro d'Italia
The Briton is making his debut in the Italian Grand Tour is targeting stage victories
-
Tadej Pogačar flies to dominant victory at La Flèche Wallonne
Slovenian takes second win at Belgian classic ahead of Kévin Vauquelin and Tom Pidcock
-
'If I were a tennis player then my career would be over': Remco Evenepoel contemplated early retirement after serious training accident
Double Olympic champion was left with nerve damage and says his shoulder is not yet fully healed ahead of his return to racing at Brabantse Pijl
-
'The energy within our team is electric' - Tom Pidcock and Q36.5 invited to Vuelta a España
Pidcock's team one of three wildcard invites to this year's Vuelta
-
Tom Pidcock’s Q36.5 receive Giro d’Italia wildcard invite along with Tudor Pro Cycling
Team Polti Visit Malta and VF Group BardianiCSF - Faizane also receive invitations from RCS
-
Could a TotalEnergies deal be the end of Ineos Grenadiers as we know them?
Reports suggested this week that Ineos could be close to signing a deal with the French petrochemical firm
-
'I came pretty close' - Tom Pidcock left with mixed feelings after finishing second to Tadej Pogačar at Strade Bianche
Pidcock explains he didn’t want to ‘take advantage’ of world champion’s 'unfortunate' crash