Tom Pidcock traveled to World Championship as outsider and sees clear favorite on the Rwandan Kwaremont: "It’s perfect for him"

Pidcock traveled to Rwanda as number three in the Vuelta a España. The question is how his legs will feel, given that the last ( canceled) stage in Madrid was less than two weeks ago. “I think I've recovered pretty well,” the Q36.5 rider told CyclingPro. “I was tired and sleeping for a few days, but last week wasn't too bad.”

“It all went by quickly, and it feels like the Vuelta was a long time ago,” said the Brit, who found the short time span between the Vuelta and the World Championships difficult to assess. “It's hard to balance. I haven't really been able to train fully. So I'm not entirely sure how I feel.”

In Rwanda, Pidcock was also confronted with the effects of altitude. Unlike many riders, the Brit doesn't seem to see that as the culprit. “I don't think that's really it. I don't know why everyone... I think there's some air pollution, but I don't think it's too bad.”

So Pidcock was out exploring the course. “We just did the short lap. I found the climbs difficult. That's for sure. I mean, the roads are fast and wide. I think it could take quite a while before the peloton really thins out. With this amount of elevation gain, it should suit me. The cobbled climb... It's just like the Kwaremont. It's a perfect climb for Tadej.”

Healy is also considered an outsider for the world title on Sunday. He traveled to Rwanda with a sixth-place finish in the Tour of Luxembourg under his belt. “I'm enjoying my time here. It's an interesting course that should suit me well. The roads are good and I'm really looking forward to racing on Sunday.”

A course that should suit Healy well means that it will not be easy. “It's a super difficult course, with some steep climbs. I think the altitude and the succession of climbs will make it a pretty tough race. If you waste too much energy too early, you will definitely pay the price at the end.”