The inspired decision behind Tom Pidcock’s charge to disrupt imperious Tadej Pogacar at Strade Bianche.

Five months ago, Tom Pidcock’s time at Ineos Grenadiers seemed to have reached an impasse. Tensions between the rider and management became evident when he was abruptly left out of Il Lombardia, the final Classic of the season. This was surprising, given that Pidcock had recently finished second behind Tadej Pogacar at the Giro dell’Emilia and was in strong form. The decision to drop him hinted that his tenure at Ineos was all but over.

Over the winter, Pidcock moved to Q36.5, a smaller but dynamic team with less prestige than Ineos or UAE Team Emirates. What initially seemed like a step down has instead proven to be a smart move. He started the season on a high note, winning two stages and the overall title at the AlUla Tour, followed by a stage win and third place overall at the Vuelta a Andalucia. While these races lack the prestige of the Classics, they demonstrated that Pidcock had regained both his winning form and passion for racing.

One of Pidcock’s past struggles was balancing his ambitions in one-day races with the demands of competing for general classification (GC) in Grand Tours. With Q36.5 not participating in this year’s Tour de France, he can now fully focus on one-day races where his aggressive racing style shines—such as Strade Bianche, which he won in 2023. His success in races like Amstel Gold and Liège-Bastogne-Liège further cements his potential for major victories.

However, the challenge remains formidable, especially with Tadej Pogacar in the mix. The Slovenian dominated last year’s cycling season, winning the Giro, Tour, and World Championships. In Strade Bianche 2024, he started his season with a commanding solo victory, leaving the competition far behind. While Pidcock finished fourth, his team remains confident in his chances this time.

Adding to his prospects is the absence of key rivals, including Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. Still, former teammate Michal Kwiatkowski, a two-time Strade Bianche winner, will be a strong contender. Interestingly, Kwiatkowski and Ineos as a whole have adopted a more aggressive racing approach this year, signaling a fresh start for both Pidcock and his former team.

While Pidcock’s departure from Ineos may not have been amicable, his motivation to outperform his old team could add extra fire to his performance. That said, Strade Bianche’s increasingly difficult course favors a rider like Pogacar, who proved last year that he could dominate it with ease. Whether Pidcock can turn the tables remains to be seen, but he certainly has the form and mindset to take on the challenge.