Tarling criticizes negative media and is tired of the drama around INEOS's form dip: "Go ride a bike"

At Rouleur Live, the time trial talent spoke openly about the impact of the disappointing year. Of course, the team would have preferred better results. The lack of success has had its consequences. "We’re not broken," Tarling says, staying optimistic. "It’s a team, isn’t it? It’s not just an object. I literally just renewed my contract. Leaving a team because things aren’t going the way you’d like is like giving up. We’ve made a lot of changes, and a whole bunch of new people are joining. Everyone’s giving their all, and the mindset and coaching are completely different."

Still only 20 years old, the Brit has just completed his second season in the WorldTour. "I joined the team with all these winners. In my mind, it’s never gotten worse. These races are so tough to win. Sometimes you get lucky, and sometimes you don’t. We’re going through a tough time right now, but we have all the resources and all the riders. With a few changes, we’ll be back at the top. The only way is up."

The former European champion takes issue with the media coverage of INEOS Grenadiers' form dip. "The media has often been negative about us. It would be great to be part of the turnaround. And to some people, I say... Go ride a bike," he laughs. The turnaround must and will happen, but it’s not adding extra pressure. "No one’s being pressured to improve, because everyone already wants to get better and start winning again. Everyone’s looking ahead, but not too far. We’re all focused on next year. The first race — let’s just win that."