He is the bike rider who can do it all. After his best road season yet, just how does Pidcock manage his ambitions across three sports?
HE FLOWED LIKE WATER SKIPPING DOWN A PRECIPITOUS ROCK FALL. HE CARRIED HIS SPEED EFFORTLESSLY AROUND BENDS. HE CAUGHT, PASSED AND LEFT RIVALS BEHIND LIKE THEY WERE OUT ON A CASUAL RIDE TO THE SHOPS.
Watching Tom Pidcock race down the Col du Galibier was mesmerising, and it still is. Months later, fans from around the world share videos and rave about it on social media.
The young master in full flight sparks awe, disbelief and a little fear (we’d all love to ride like that, but please don’t try it at home). Transmitting a special feeling to everyone watching is one mark of a champion. But another is winning and by the end of that day, Pidcock had made another splash.
On stage 12 of the 2022 Tour de France, having descended the race’s highest climb full bore to join the breakaway, the hard work started. His companions were all older and more experienced, especially four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome. Tom had to get them to collaborate on the next two cols to ensure a healthy lead, then beat them up the Glastonbury of cycling, Alpe d’Huez.
After its three opening kilometres, Pidcock accelerated and slowly increased his advantage. Even if his
