The Pidcock cycling family
It is no coincidence that Pidcock became a professional cyclist. As with many professionals, cycling runs in the Pidcock family. Tom's parents, who are keen cyclists themselves, put little Tom on a bike at the age of three. He rode his first race at the age of just seven. Incidentally, the person in the photo below is not Tom's dad, but cycling legend Sean Kelly.
Pidcock vs. Van der Poel - a duel of the giants
Like Tom Pidcock, his rival Mathieu Van der Poel (29) is also regarded as an all-round talent. Van der Poel also competes in all three disciplines - but unlike Tom, he is neither 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.
Always travelling in white socks
Tom Pidcock always gives clear answers in interviews and is known for it. When asked by a journalist why he only ever wears white socks, he once said: "Because blue or black socks are rubbish". After all, you can see after the race that it was no walk in the park and that traces of dirt remain.
Pidcock & Downhill - even that?
If you cycle so much, you hardly have time to follow other races. Tom Pidcock says: "I don't follow any discipline as closely as the UCI Downhill World Cup". Could he imagine competing in the downhill? Tom answers this question in the affirmative. He can well imagine the race in Les Gets, he says.
Great self-confidence through great success
Tom Pidcock's greatest successes are: Stage win at the Tour de France, U23 Cross World Champion (U23), MTB Olympic Champion and MTB World Champion. However, he sees himself first and foremost as a cyclist who is particularly at home on tarmac, but also rides cyclocross and mountain bikes.
No Friends on Raceday! Tough dog in the race
Not everyone likes Pidcock's aggressive racing style. Race colleague Luca Schwarzbauer has also realised this - he has already experienced Pidcock's toughness and elbow mentality. "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.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
