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Tom Pidcock isn’t racing Strade Bianche for a spot at the podium at the back of Tadej Pogačar, he’s racing to win.
True to personality, the Q36.5 Professional Biking chief stays defiant within the face of Pogačar’s anticipated supremacy. Closing yr he was once surprised by means of Pogačar’s long-range solo victory however after a a success season debut with Q36.5, Pidcock has his mojo again. He’s going to attempt to beat Pogačar by means of looking for a weak point in his dominance.
“To beat Tadej you have to cross the finish line first,” Pidcock stated on Friday afternoon in Siena after the workforce presentation within the Fortezza overlooking the hilltop Renaissance the city.
“We’re here to race, here to try and win and that’s it.”
Pidcock gained Strade Bianche in 2023 together with his personal 50km solo journey. Pogačar was once absent that yr however produced an 80km solo assault to win in 2024.
Pidcock is anticipating UAE Crew Emirates-XRG to journey and offer protection to Pogačar prior to he makes his transfer. The Briton will attempt to move with him after which race.
“It’s predictable because Tadej is here. His team will ride solely for him and they’ll make a hard pace. Then Tadej is going to want to attack for sure,” Pidcock defined, laying down the choices for somebody who hopes to compete with Pogačar.
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“You can’t really try and do much else in that situation. You follow or you don’t follow. If you can follow, then it’s a game on.”
“That’s what I want to do. I don’t think it’s right to resign and race for second or whatever. I’m in really good shape, I’ve got confidence that I can race.”
Many see Pidcock as one of the crucial few riders who can tackle Pogačar on Saturday. Closing yr he iced up within the chilly rain however appears to be reveling within the dry and dusty spring-like stipulations anticipated for Saturday.
“Knowing that people see me as Pogcar’s rival is nice for the confidence,” he stated.
“I don’t think beating him is out of the question. Of course, Tadej is Tadej, we know how strong he is. He is the favorite, but my goal is to try and win. Whether that’s going to be possible, I don’t know, but we’ll see.”
His motorbike dealing with abilities at the free gravel is usually a larger issue.
“I definitely have confidence. I know I’m in good shape. I’m going to do everything I can to try and win. It’s that simple.”
