World cyclo-cross champion, Olympic mountain biking champion, stage winner on Alpe d’Huez and triumphant in the Strade Bianche.
Tom Pidcock (23) is already a class act. But can the Briton one day also bend the Tour de France to his will?
“No, he is too limited in time trial and too explosive for that,” says Jan Bakelants.
“Ineos will have a good idea of Pidcock’s wattages and capabilities. Starting a Grand Tour as the favorite will be difficult for him.”
“But if things go well in certain scenarios, it can be done.”
Boonen also does not see a real tour rider in Pidcock. “I don’t think you can put him next to those other 2 or 3 grand tour riders in terms of capabilities.”
“But with his race intelligence and courage, he can suddenly have the yellow jersey around his shoulders in certain situations.”
The podcast panel sees Pidcock excelling in the classics in the coming years.
“He can handle all circuits, from the Strade Bianche to Liège-Bastogne-Liège,” says Dirk De Wolf.
“Paris-Roubaix also suits him with his qualities. He will win many classics in his career.”
