Tom Pidcock feels decision to add distance to Strade Bianche was unnecessary
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Published 01/03/2024 at 22:57 GMT
The cycling season kicks up a notch on Saturday with Strade Bianche, and Tom Pidcock of Ineos Grenadiers is the defending champion. The riders will cover additional ground in 2024 after event organisers added 31 kilometres to the race distance. It is a decision that Pidcock does not agree with. Stream all the top cycling action live and on-demand on Eurosport, the Eurosport app and discovery+
Strade Bianche 2023 highlights - Britain's Pidcock clinches memorable triumph
Defending champion Tom Pidcock has questioned the merits of adding distance to Strade Bianche.
Pidcock won the famous Tuscan race last year thanks to a daring attack with over 40 kilometres to go, but the addition of 31kms, more gravel and an extra climb has led some to suggest that sort of move will not happen on Saturday.
The Ineos Grenadiers rider heads to the defence of his title with good feelings in his legs after positive showings at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the Volta ao Algarve. But he arrives with negative thoughts about the changes to the course.
“Is it necessary? No,” Pidcock, who is second favourite with the bookmakers behind Tadej Pogacar, told Cycling News. “But, you know, people's comment about this race was always that it's not long enough.”
How the race plays out will answer the question on whether the change was merited, as Pidcock acknowledged.
“I don't think a race needs to be long for it to be epic, so yeah, we'll see,” the Brit said. “It's brave also, to change a course like this. We can make more of a decision about that after tomorrow's race.
“The course changes will have a big impact on the dynamics of the race. The race didn't ask for more kilometres, but it will definitely be tougher. 40km to go after Le Tolfe feels like a long way to go.”
Much of Europe has been hit by huge amounts of rain, and the forecast for Tuscany on Saturday is mixed.
While rain can make racing treacherous, Pidcock pointed out that it makes life easier on the gravel sectors.
“Well, to be honest, it [the rain] doesn't make much difference,” Pidcock said. “You know, people think the rain is gonna make it harder, but it means it's actually grippier on the gravel.
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Gilbert profiles iconic roads of the Strade Bianche
“I think a wet one might be quite exciting, but maybe we won’t quite get that.”
Pidcock says there will be no added pressure on his shoulders due to being defending champion.
“I'm looking forward to it, just like last year,” he said. “I’ve had a really good run up to the race, a long training block, and few races to start the year where I’ve been steadily building up.
“It's interesting to start a race as the last winner, but I don't feel any extra pressure. It is what it is. Of course, I will be watched more, but it doesn't change how I will race.”
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