Tom Pidcock has quickly emerged as the standout rider for the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team following his highly discussed transfer from INEOS Grenadiers during the off-season. Despite his success, he continues to face criticism, with some downplaying his recent AlUla Tour victory due to what they perceive as a lack of strong competition. His coach, Kurt Bogaerts, has now responded to the skeptics.
“I see what people say about Tom, and then I look at his achievements, and I think what more do they expect?” Bogaerts said in an interview with ‘Velo’. “He’s already a double Olympic champion, a world champion in two different disciplines, and has won major road races like Strade Bianche and an iconic Tour de France stage all before the age of 25. That’s an incredible résumé.”
One common critique is Pidcock’s inability to mount a serious general classification challenge at the Tour de France, despite high expectations. However, Bogaerts believes this doubt is misplaced. “Not everyone can win the Tour de France at 20,” he pointed out, urging patience. “What he’s shown so far is just the beginning. Those who know Tom understand that. He’s been under pressure since he was 16.”
As for whether his move to Q36.5 is a step back, Bogaerts disagrees. “This team has great potential for growth, and Tom’s ambitions align with that,” he said. “He has the physical and mental strength to win the biggest races, and that’s what we’re aiming for.”
Winning a Monument is a key goal, with Milano-Sanremo and Liège-Bastogne-Liège standing out as prime targets. “He was close in the past second at Liège, a winner at Amstel Gold, and second at Giro dell’Emilia. He has what it takes to be in contention for every Monument he enters.”
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