Tom Pidcock has solely raced Milan-San Remo twice however he went tantalisingly near victory in 2024 when he attacked inside the ultimate kilometre.
He was caught in sight of the Through Roma end line however is again this 12 months, extra motivated than ever after his transfer from Ineos Grenadiers to Q36.5 Professional Biking, and seemingly in even higher kind.
The Yorkshireman bravely took on Tadej Pogačar (UAE Workforce Emirates-XRG) at Strade Bianche and impressed at Tirreno-Adriatico. He appears able to do it once more at Milan-San Remo.
“I can sense that folks can really feel the power I’ve and the best way I am racing. It is very nice, it offers you further motivation,” Pidcock mentioned after the staff presentation on Friday in Pavia, south of Milan, the place the 289km Monument will once more begin on Saturday.
“I am pleased with the situation I’ve. There have been a number of second locations not too long ago however hopefully we are able to change that at Milan-San Remo.
“It may be a pleasant race. It is one of many highlights of the 12 months. I really like this race. I really feel I do know it effectively even when I’ve solely really ridden the ultimate twice.”
Pidcock spent the week in San Remo, recovering from the laborious, typically rain-soaked racing of Tirreno-Adriatico. He educated on the Cipressa and Poggio climbs, performing some efforts, whereas perfecting his data of the climbs and little doubt the descent, the place he may make a distinction.
He is aware of that each second of Milan-San Remo, each tactical alternative, each further effort and each mistake could make the distinction between victory and defeat.
“Each determination you make can take you out of the race. You solely have one shot to win Milan-San Remo,” he mentioned.
“However I’ve nearly as good an opportunity as anybody. There’s not one favorite, there are plenty of favourites.”
Pidcock will race on intuition however maybe observe one easy tactic.
“I will anticipate an assault from Tadej…” he mentioned provocatively.
“I am certain they wish to make a tough race however what fits Tadej, fits me too. I hope I can profit from that.
“I believe UAE will race like final 12 months however I believe they’ve a greater staff. Jhonatan Narváez can play a giant position, set a excessive tempo and so arrange an assault from Pogačar. Final 12 months the tempo wasn’t laborious sufficient, this 12 months it may very well be.”
Requested three easy questions by Dutch tv NOS, Pidcock made three easy predictions.
Who shall be first to the highest of Poggio?
“Mathieu van der Poel,” he replied.
Who would be the first to the underside of the Poggio?
“Filippo Ganna,” he mentioned.
And who shall be first to complete within the Through Roma?
“Me!”
