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Jun 03, 2026
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Tom Pidcock on Chasing Pogacar, Surviving Crashes and Eyeing the Tour de France

AI Summary
British rider Tom Pidcock reflects on his near‑victory against Tadej Pogacar at the Milan–San Remo classic, recounts a series of serious crashes, and explains why he feels ready for the upcoming Tour de France despite recent injuries.

Lead: Pidcock’s vivid recollection of racing a ‘zombie’ Pogacar

In a candid interview, Tom Pidcock describes the sensation of chasing the dominant Tadej Pogacar at the March Milan–San Remo classic as “racing a zombie”, highlighting both the drama of the race and his own resilience after a string of crashes.

Milan–San Remo duel and the four‑centimetre heartbreak

  • Date: March 2026
  • Race distance: 297 km
  • Result: Pidcock finished second, losing by just four centimetres after Pogacar crashed 30 km from the finish yet still won.

Pogacar’s crash left him blood‑splattered, but he powered back to the line, while Pidcock pressed on through the descent and the Via Roma, ultimately missing victory by a razor‑thin margin.

Physical toll: injuries and rapid recovery

  • Volta a Catalunya crash (late March): fell into a ravine, sustained a stress fracture of the tibia, multiple knee‑ligament damage and heavy bruising.
  • Recovery timeline: nine days of complete rest followed by a stage win at the Tour of the Alps and a fifth victory in the Nové Mesto mountain‑bike race.
  • Previous setbacks: broken collarbone six weeks before the Tokyo Olympics.

Impact on Grand Tour ambitions and team future

Despite the injuries, Pidcock feels “in a good place” a month before the Tour de France, a sentiment he could not express after his March crash. His ability to return quickly and win at the Alps suggests he can handle the demands of a three‑week Grand Tour. The interview also touches on his impending departure from Ineos Grenadiers, signalling a new chapter that could affect his support structure and race strategy.

Looking ahead: Pidcock’s outlook for the Tour de France

Pidcock believes his experience of “embracing the suffering” on climbs like Alpe d’Huez will serve him well. He emphasizes positioning in the peloton to avoid the “death zone” of crashes and stresses the importance of disciplined nutrition and training. With confidence restored, he aims to translate his recent mountain‑bike and Alpine successes into a strong performance at the Tour de France.