Tom Pidcock recently wrapped up his debut Grand Tour with the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team at the 2025 Giro d’Italia. Although there were encouraging moments, the British rider left Italy feeling he had more to give. This marked the first Giro for both Pidcock and his team, who made their Grand Tour debut. Pidcock, continuing to build his experience in stage racing, secured 16th place overall just missing a top-10 finish.
“I would’ve liked to come away with more, of course,” Pidcock told In de Leiderstrui on the final day in Rome. “But Grand Tours are incredibly tough, whether you’re aiming for stage wins or the GC. Still, I think this was my strongest performance in a Grand Tour so far. I rode well.”
His most promising chance at a stage victory came on the gravel-heavy Stage 9 to Siena but was disrupted by a crash. Later, on a sweltering Stage 19, a tactical error cost him dearly. “I wasn’t empty,” he said. “I tried to make the break, but I completely overcooked myself in the heat. It wasn’t smart, especially knowing I struggle in those conditions. That move cost me my shot at the top ten.” He lost nearly 18 minutes that day and couldn’t recover the time. By Stage 20, there wasn’t much left for him to fight for. “It was also my first time riding a climb that lasted an hour,” he added.
Reflecting on his preparation, Pidcock admitted he’d hoped for a better showing but acknowledged the lead-up wasn’t ideal. “Honestly, I expected more from myself at the Giro,” he said. “But without a proper altitude camp after the Ardennes classics, maybe I couldn’t have realistically asked for more.” He also pointed out that his competitors were better prepared and had fewer race days in their legs.
Looking ahead, Pidcock confirmed he’ll skip the Tour de France this year to focus on the Vuelta a España. “I’m hoping to prepare more specifically for the Vuelta,” he said. His summer plans include mountain biking in Andorra and racing at the European Championships in Melgaço.
Be the first to comment