Feature – Tom Pidcock 2nd in World Cup

2014_August_Prendas_Bannerr4

Britain’s rising star, Tom Pidcock took another step up with second in the World Cup Cyclo-Cross on Sunday and tells VeloUK about it

RST Cycle Clothing & Trigon Bikes

Feature – Tom Pidcock 2nd in World Cup

Riding in the colours of his country, Yorkshire’s Tom Pidcock took a career-best second place in the Junior men’s race at the final round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Hoogerheide on Sunday.

In tough conditions with mud like glue, Pidcock battled through to show just what a young star he is. VeloUK sent him a Q & A on the race …

Euros_Thomas_2

1. How did it feel racing in second place during the race in the world cup on Sunday?
Tom: It is great to ride on the bigger stage than the National Trophy’s. As I was moving up and getting close to the front, more and more of the locals were clapping and noticing me and when I got up to second and gapped the riders behind, everyone really started looking and thinking who the hell is this kid! It was a bit surreal.

2. How did the course compare to the ones you have race in Britain?
Tom: The course was much harder and technical than British courses and had a set of purpose built steps.

3. Did you have a better place on the grid than the last world cup or did you have to fight your way to the front again?
Tom: Last time I was probably 3rd from last row and this time I was on the very back row! Last time I was rushing and making mistakes trying to get to the front but this time I just held back a little and moved up the top 20 on the second lap.

2015_Durham_Pidcock

A winner in the national trophy cyclo-cross

4. When was the last cross race you did before the World Cup?
Tom: I went over to the Zolder World Cup on Boxing Day to get a taste of the World Champs course.

5. Who did you have helping you with the GB team and do they offer advice or let you ride your own race?
Tom: There were a lot of helpers out with the team and we had discussions about tyre pressures on Saturday during practise. But I have been ill so have had a week off and my coach said for me to train on Saturday. So I did about three hours and used this race as experience for Worlds. I didn’t expect a result but ended up coming out with probably the best result of my life!

6. Were you disappointed not to win at the finish or pleased with second and your performance?
Tom: Definitely! I was pleased/proud because British riders (male) don’t often get up there in international cross races. I think it had definitely given me more motivation for the World Champs and shows that I am one of the best in the World and shouldn’t start on the back row!

7. What have you been doing in January – just track and road work?
Tom: Yes, I have mainly been doing lots of road miles and then an international track race in Holland and haven’t put my leg over my cross bike since Bradford.

8. What was the highlight of racing the track in Holland
Tom: I definitely enjoyed the Derny race even though I had a slow a limited Derny that couldn’t go any faster so had to settle for second.

Otley_TomPidcock

and very quick on the road too … 

9. Are you finding your track legs quickly working with the GB junior academy?
Tom: I think now we are on bigger gears it is much easier to adapt from cross and road to track than it was with youth gears because our cadence isn’t as high.

10. Will you be doing the World Cross Championships?
Tom: Yes

11. If so, what are your ambitions now that you have done so well at the World Cup – podium?
Tom: Well my ambitions are obviously the jersey. But by the time I get to the front, the race has often already gone. But I hope for a podium.

AlpsCyclesMidstory

 

Send your results as well as club, team & event news here

Other Results on VeloUK (including reports containing results)

Other News on VeloUK

Tags: ,