Superstar in an exclusive interview: Tom Pidcock on luck, goals & fairness

Getting an interview with Tom Pidcock is a lengthy endeavour. The Brit is one of the most sought-after professional cyclists around. Pidcock has a busy week and, when he has time to spare, he has to entertain well-paying sponsors or - and we don't want to hide this here - talk to media with a higher circulation. After a year or so of chasing after him, the time has come: the management has promised us a 30-minute slot.

The call is postponed - Tom is currently travelling in the mountains. His team manager refers to his Insta post, which shows a mountain ridge and two skis in deep snow. But the team manager writes that the interview should work out the next day: "Same time, 6 pm."

I dial in. A charming female voice answers in German with "Guten Abend". Presumably Tom's agent. She switches to posh upper-class English and says that Tom has a cold but is ready - we have 25 minutes. I was promised 30 minutes. The agent says I can start - Tom is already on the line.

Tom answers, sniffly but endeavouring: "Hi." Brief small talk - he had a few days off and went skiing, now he's ill. I want to start the interview a little differently, surprise him and wait with the classic questions, such as: "What's your goal on the MTB?" or "How do you conquer Pogacar on a road bike?"

Tom Pidcock: Cycling superstar in an interview

BIKE: Tom, what is happiness for you?

Tom Pitcock: (short pause) The goal (long pause) ... and the way there. Even if the journey is hard, it fulfils me. Victory is the crowning glory, the happiness.

How long does happiness last for you after a win?

Not for long - unfortunately. I even think it lasts shorter than it did a few years ago. Maybe the moment I cross the finish line and shortly afterwards. Then my mind starts to wander again and I think about what I'm going to eat or when I'm going back to the airport.

What makes you happy away from the races?

Happiness is a big word, but it's the little things that pop into my head. For example, going to a café with my girlfriend, taking my dogs for a walk or going skiing.

(Tom yawns, seems a bit bored by the questions. I switch to the cycling questions).

You can only drive one category for the rest of your life. What would you choose? MTB, road or cyclocross?

Under what conditions? If all circumstances were the same, including payment?

No, if it was exactly the same as it is now.

Then road.

What if each category were paid equally well?

Mountain bike.

"I have missed opportunities in the past"

Interesting. You said that you could imagine competing in the MTB World Championships.

That's right, but it's not yet clear whether I'll be taking part in La Vuelta start, which is in the same week. Two events, one appointment. That's a problem I often have. But I'd love to do it, because I feel like I've missed out on opportunities in the past.

Missed opportunities? You won in Glasgow and shortly afterwards won the gold medal in Paris.

Yes, but the year before I was ill and after Paris I was empty from the season. That's why I'd like to try again at the World Championships.

You've been riding Scott on the road since this year, and continue to ride Pinarello on your mountain bike. Why didn't you look for a team with a frame sponsor?

Admittedly: The situation is a bit strange, but I have a close relationship with Pinarello and I didn't want to give it up. That's why I'm now riding two wheels and I'm sure I'm on the right track.

You are known for your elbow manoeuvres, such as in Paris on the final lap of the XCO final. Some riders criticised that. Don't you care?

Who complained about this?

There are also German cross-country riders who found this at least borderline, including other duels in the World Cup.

Who?

I won't mention any names.

I've given Victor Koretzki enough chances to win, haven't I? (Pause) That's racing.

Where would you draw the line between "still allowed" and unfair behaviour?

I like to compare it with motorsport. They have very clear rules when it comes to racing. If you're ahead in the bend, then that's your bend. If your handlebars are in front of the other person's, then that's fair racing. If you come from behind and push him off, it's a different story. You can't do that.

And you were able to judge that at that speed?

It was the final lap. Such manoeuvres are of course risky, and this attack in the middle of the race would probably have been a bit over the top, but it was the final lap. It was necessary, right and fair. Anyone who watches the manoeuvre will agree with me.

Races like this have shown just how spectacular cross-country racing can be. Why are road races so much more popular?

There is certainly not just one reason for this. Tradition plays the biggest role. Cross-country racing was on the right track. I think that since Red Bull stopped broadcasting the races for free, the visibility has decreased again somewhat. To be honest, I don't have a subscription either. £30 a month, that's ridiculous. I don't have the figures, but I wouldn't be surprised if viewing figures have dropped since Red Bull stopped broadcasting for free.

You once said that you could imagine competing in a downhill race. Is that still on your bucket list?

Phew, I don't put much energy into thinking about it anymore. Sure, it would be a nice experience, but the older I get, the more I "think" about it. The risks also play a role.

Do you have a big bike in the garage?

No, but I wanted to ask Scott if they would send me a Gambler. A downhiller like that would look good in my fleet. My MTB sponsor Pinarello doesn't have a downhiller in its programme.

Are you contractually limited when it comes to risks? Can you just shred in the park for a day?

In theory, there are limits. I get paid to train, not get injured and win races. But the idea of switching to the team was also so that I could be myself. So I wouldn't rule it out. As long as I can assess risks well, I don't think anyone would mind.

Known for a strong will - "Phew, is that me?"

Some say that the days of being at the top in all disciplines are over. How do you see it?

I think that's definitely possible. Not just by chance and not in three different World Cup seasons. But if you set yourself big key races as your goal, work towards them with focus, ride there, win and then have what it takes to switch gears at lightning speed and concentrate on the next goal in the other discipline, then it is possible.

You are known for your strong will. Is it innate or can it be acquired?

Phew, is that me?

It seems so.

(Long pause) It's about how much you want to achieve something. I certainly don't always have a strong will. If I get the feeling during a race that I probably won't make it to the finish line first, I tend to give up too early. That annoys me and I bite myself in the arse for thinking that way. When I know there's a chance of winning, it's easy for me to give it my all.

Do you have problems getting yourself together or motivating yourself in other life situations?

No.

(The lady from the off announces herself: "Can I interrupt shortly?" ... I hear Tom isn't feeling too well. I ask if we can take care of the last few questions. Tom needs to rest. Tom doesn't respond to what the agent says. I still have a whole A4 sheet of paper full of questions and continue).

You are now in a small road racing team and rely on wildcards. Why didn't you opt for a top team like Redbull-Bora-Hansgrohe?

Because the team was the best solution for me. I like the challenge. I have my goals and can pursue them in my own way here.

You said in the Netflix series that winning the TDF was your biggest goal. You can't pursue that with this team - at least not this year.

Exactly, not this year. My goal is to launch the team in 2027. I like the idea.

Let's talk again about the decision to change teams. Are you a head decision-maker or a gut decision-maker?

My gut always tended to favour this team. Of course, your head also plays a role - and that's a good thing. Because you have to be able to weigh things up and think about who you want at your side when pursuing your goals. I'm happy with my decision.

Do you work with a mental coach?

No, it's nothing for me. Maybe when I won the Junior World Cross Country Championships, I had thoughts that dampened my mood. I also found it difficult to deal with some problems. That's no longer the case today.
I've spoken to a few people, it never "clicked" and I realised that this could make me better.

Reason for falls: "Money. Money brings pressure."

There are many crashes in road cycling. What are the reasons for the increase in such incidents?

Money. Money brings pressure, pressure brings expectations, responsibility. The more money involved, the more important it is to fulfil expectations. Drivers take a lot of risks to achieve this. They only brake at the very last moment on a bend.

Do you think something should be done here?

They try or pretend to. With things like not being allowed to celebrate before the finish line. What's that supposed to help? What rubbish! The best thing would be limited gears, which would reduce the pace a little. That might help the most.

(The voice from off-screen announces: "Should we conclude it, please?" I ask if I can ask one last question. "Alright, the very last question then.")

Your brother is in the same team. What are you most looking forward to this season and what will get on your nerves?

Er, ask another question.

(The woman's voice laughs from off-screen: "Another one, please." I laugh along out of embarrassment. "Do you have another one?" the woman asks. I say I have lots of questions ready, but now she doesn't want any more. "Let's finish the interview." Tom interjects: "One more.")

Do you have a craving for another sport, away from two wheels?

I want to switch to motorsport after my career. It probably won't be Formula 1, but rallying appeals to me.

(The woman's voice speaks again: "Why not darts?" They both laugh. "Well, that's really it now," the woman finishes, trying to be conciliatory).

Voices about Tom:

"Tom is an absolute all-rounder. He is light, small and has a strong will - so Tom is very hard to beat on the climbs. In short: the perfect cyclist!"
Nino Schurter, XCO-GOAT (Team Scott)

"At the Short Track World Championships in Glasgow, Tom took a really hard line and caused me to fall in the battle for the title. We all had to learn from that. He has few friends in the peloton because of his bully riding style. Nevertheless, we can learn from his elbow mentality and use it to make the short track racing format even more exciting. The fact is: Tom is an enrichment for our sport and I'm happy every time he travels to an MTB World Cup or the MTB World Championships. However, I don't like meeting Tom directly during the race. It's hard to believe, but I've actually had nice conversations with him off the track."
Luca Schwarzbauer, German XCO champion and short track specialist

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