Pidcock fully committed to strong Vuelta GC result, and he knows who’ll help him get there

Pidcock is ready for three weeks of racing. Things didn’t go as hoped at the Giro d’Italia earlier this year, but with that experience behind him, he’s confident this time will be different. “The course this year is very diverse but still typical of the Vuelta, with its many uphill finishes,” said the Brit on the team’s website. “There are plenty of stages with profiles that could suit a rider like me, and there’s even a stage in Andorra, quite close to where I live. We learned from the Giro and had more time for thorough preparation this time, with an altitude camp and the Arctic Race of Norway.”

All of this should help him improve on his 16th place finish in Rome earlier this year. “I’m curious to see what I can do in the general classification. For that, we have a strong team, with riders who each bring their own strengths. It’s a well-rounded group, we’ve prepared well, and I’m really looking forward to starting in Piemonte this Saturday with the boys.”

Sports director Alex Sans Vega spoke about the squad, which combines part of the Giro team with new additions in hopes of delivering success. “I’m really curious to see how he’ll do in the general classification because this race suits him perfectly. I am curious how far he can go in the GC because the course suits him perfectly. We have a strong team in general and I am confident for a good team performance. Tom will have Damo, Zuke and Xabier Mikel with him, like he did in the Giro d’Italia. A special mention for David de la Cruz who brings experience and knows this race so well.”

This will be De la Cruz’s 11th Vuelta, and he’s expected to be one of Pidcock’s key support riders. “It’s where I had my first pro win and wore the leader’s jersey nine years ago. This race gave me the opportunity to show myself and it’s been driving my career throughout: in winter, in spring, in summer and at altitude camps. The Vuelta is one of the biggest races on the calendar and it’s where I meet my family and friends. I know the roads.