Tom 'Tourist' Pidcock skips Liévin for Saudi Arabia: "Cyclo-cross? Didn't miss it at all this winter"

As one of the favorites for the general classification and one of the biggest names at the start line in Saudi Arabia, Pidcock joined the annual photoshoot and press conference. Despite the late arrival of his flight from Paris the night before, the Yorkshireman was in high spirits. "It’s my first time racing in this part of the world, so I’m really enjoying it. I already feel like a bit of a tourist, taking loads of photos," he said with a big smile.

For someone who has spent more than a decade plowing through the mud every winter, Pidcock surprisingly didn’t miss his cyclo-cross bike — even in the lead-up to the World Championships, the pinnacle of the cyclo-cross season. "It doesn’t feel strange not to be thinking about the Cyclo-cross Worlds. Last year, I also finished my cyclo-cross season in January, so the preparation hasn’t been that different. Honestly, I’ve not missed cyclo-cross at all this winter."

That might need some elaboration, Tom. "I’ve been busy. I changed teams, that’s why. Does it mean anything for the coming years? Not at all. I plan to race cyclo-cross again next year," he explained in his usual relaxed British manner. "The reason I didn’t miss it is probably because I haven’t been watching any of the races. But I don’t watch road races either — the only thing I watch on TV is mountain biking."

Pidcock is about to make his debut for his new team, Q36.5 Pro Cycling, and his first month with the squad has been smooth sailing. "It’s been much easier than I ever expected to adapt to a new team. I just jumped in and immediately felt at home. That has gone flawlessly," he said, sounding pleasantly surprised.

The Brit is clearly feeling at home, as his words suggest. "Things are going really well, to be honest. Not doing cyclo-cross gave me a slightly different preparation, but it’s working out well. I had a good winter without any disruptions from illness or anything like that. I really can’t complain and am looking forward to starting the season."

And Pidcock is starting the season with ambition. "I want to kick off the season well, that’s the main thing. My goal is to win the GC, but I’m also someone who needs some race rhythm to hit top form. So that’s the primary focus," said the Q36.5 leader, who has already studied the course. "There are two tough climbs in this race. I’ve trained hard, but still — it’s the first race of the year, so you don’t really have a benchmark to compare yourself to the competition."

After the race in Saudi Arabia, Pidcock will head to Spain. "I’ll race the Ruta del Sol, the Opening Weekend, and then focus mainly on the Italian block." On Monday, it was also announced that Q36.5 has received a wildcard for Paris-Roubaix, but it’s still unclear how far the team leader will extend his spring campaign. That will also depend on his favorite Ardennes Classics and the possibility of participating in the Giro d’Italia in May.