Pidcock prepares for big fall goal by racing in Norway: "I can still make a lot of progress there"

With the European mountain biking title in his pocket, Pidcock will make his road comeback on Thursday. After the Giro d'Italia, the Brit only rode the brand new Andorra Morabanc Clàssica, meaning he has not competed on the road for about a month and a half. In Norway, the Q36.5 rider will begin the second part of his road season. “The third stage will be decisive. But it will be difficult to control the race,” he said, looking ahead to the Arctic Race of Norway.

It will be a build-up to the Vuelta, which starts later this month in Turin. “I can still make a lot of progress in the Vuelta a España; I feel fresh. If I can improve a little and get back the feeling I had at the start of the season, that would be fantastic,” Pidcock said, looking ahead to the third Grand Tour of the year.

Safety will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion again in the Vuelta. The British rider is not avoiding the debate. “Limiting the number of gears only makes everything more dangerous. If we all have the same top speed, we'll be closer together, and on the descents, that means we'll take up more road space,” says the downhill specialist.

"The discussion about handlebar width also seems no top priority to me. We need to talk about the important issues," continues Pidock, who is also in a playful mood. "I told my brother that if we continue like this, they should limit carbohydrates for everyone and put us in ketosis. Only then will the races slow down. We are cyclists... people should focus on other things."