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Tom PidcockMy world - What makes cycling superstar & all-round talent Tom Pidcock tick

Laurin Lehner

 · 29.01.2024

All-round ace Tom Pidcock
Photo: Red Bull
The young Brit Tom Pidcock (24) is regarded as the greatest all-round talent in cycling. He can do cyclocross, road cycling and MTB - he already has superstar status. What makes Pidcock tick.
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Early start in the cycling family

As with many professionals, cycling runs in the Pidcocks' family. Tom's parents, themselves keen cyclists, got little Tom on his bike at the age of three. Tom took part in his first race at the age of seven. And no, that's not Tom's dad in the photo, but cycling legend Sean Kelly.

From left: Tom, cycling legend Sean Kelly, brother Joe.Photo: Privat/Tom PidcockFrom left: Tom, cycling legend Sean Kelly, brother Joe.

Pidcock vs. Van der Poel: Duel of the giants

Alongside Tom, his rival Mathieu Van der Poel (29) is also regarded as an all-round talent. He also competes in all three disciplines but, unlike Tom, has neither been MTB world champion nor Olympic champion. According to insiders, both are among the best-paid cyclists ever - also because of their presence in the various disciplines.

Rivals: Tom Pidcock (front) and Mathieu Van der Poel (back).Photo: Red Bull Content PoolRivals: Tom Pidcock (front) and Mathieu Van der Poel (back).

Sock fetish: Pidcock - always in white

Tom Pidcock is known for his direct answers in interviews. When asked by a journalist why he always wears white socks, Tom replied: "Because blue or black socks are rubbish".

Likes white socks: Tom Pidcock during the UCI XCO World Cup in Mont Sainte Anne, 2023Photo: Red Bull Content PoolLikes white socks: Tom Pidcock during the UCI XCO World Cup in Mont Sainte Anne, 2023

Pidcock & Downhill - Delusions of grandeur?

Anyone who cycles so much hardly has time to follow other races. Tom Pidcock says: "I don't follow any discipline as closely as the UCI Downhill World Cup". When asked whether he could imagine competing in the downhill, Tom says yes. He can well imagine the race in Les Gets, says Pidcock.

No, you can't see Tom in the photo, but he doesn't want to rule out a downhill debut.Photo: Red Bull Content PoolNo, you can't see Tom in the photo, but he doesn't want to rule out a downhill debut.

World champion title & other reasons for self-confidence

Tom's greatest successes include: Stage win at the Tour de France, U23 Cross World Champion (U23), MTB Olympic Champion and MTB World Champion. However, Pidcock sees himself first and foremost as a tarmac racer who also rides cyclocross and mountain bikes.

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Self-confidence boost: Tom can do road, cross-country and MTB - and quite successfully too.Photo: Red BullSelf-confidence boost: Tom can do road, cross-country and MTB - and quite successfully too.

Elbow mentality: No Friends on Raceday!

Not everyone likes Pidcock's aggressive racing style. Racing colleague Luca Schwarzbauer, who has already felt Pidcock's elbow, has already realised this. "If everyone drove like that, it would be more like driving a boxing car than racing. On the other hand, Tom brings pep to our scene and is therefore an enrichment," says Schwarzbauer when asked by BIKE.

Bites his way through: Tom Pidcock at the top of the podium, here in Nove Mesto in May 2023.Photo: Red BullBites his way through: Tom Pidcock at the top of the podium, here in Nove Mesto in May 2023.

Laurin Lehner

Born in South Baden, Laurin Lehner is, by his own admission, a lousy racer. Maybe that's why he is fascinated by creative, playful biking. What counts for him is not how fast you get from A to B, but what happens in between. Lehner writes reports, interviews scene celebrities and tests products and bikes - preferably those with a lot of suspension travel.

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