‘Quiet work, loud goals’: Tom Pidcock back from South America and ready to return to racing

Is it fair to talk about a “breakthrough” for Pidcock? His name has been around for years, of course. As a junior he was one of the most highly-rated talents of his generation, and he has already won the Amstel Gold Race, Strade Bianche, Brabantse Pijl, and a Tour de France stage on Alpe d’Huez. But in 2025, he showed a consistent level across three weeks for the first time.

After an excellent spring — with second place at Strade Bianche, victory at the AlUla Tour and a podium at La Flèche Wallonne — the 26-year-old looked outstanding at the Vuelta a España. There, he was one of the few riders who, at times, could really put Jonas Vingegaard under pressure. It ultimately resulted in third place in Madrid.

Pidcock can now officially be called a general classification rider after that performance, but he remains the definition of an all-rounder. The Classics will continue to be a major priority for the versatile Brit. And while plenty of teams opted for winter camps in Spain, Q36.5 headed to South America instead. A select group of trusted riders and staff based themselves in Chile.

At around 2,700 metres above sea level, Pidcock and company worked towards the new season. With Tenerife and other European training hotspots seen as too changeable weather-wise at this time of year, bone-dry Chile offered what looked like an ideal backdrop. And Pidcock made the most of it — not only in training, but also by showing off some impressive bike-handling skills.

After a long stint in South America, he has now returned to Europe. It won’t be long before he pins on a number for the first time this year, even if the jet lag still needs shaking off. Pidcock is set to start his season on 13 February at the Vuelta a Murcia (see the men’s cycling calendar for the early-February programme). And he certainly looks ready, judging by a video he posted on Instagram — accompanied by his own message: “Quiet work, loud goals."