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 By way of 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 type.
The Yorkshireman bravely took on Tadej Pogačar (UAE Crew 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 way in which I am racing. It is very nice, it offers you further motivation,” Pidcock stated after the crew 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 will change that at Milan-San Remo.
“It will 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, usually 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 question the descent, the place he may make a distinction.
He is aware of that each second of Milan-San Remo, each tactical selection, 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 stated.
“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 comply with one easy tactic.
“I am going to look forward to an assault from Tadej…” he stated provocatively.
“I am positive 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 crew. Jhonatan Narváez can play an enormous function, set a excessive tempo and so arrange an assault from Pogačar. Final 12 months the tempo wasn’t laborious sufficient, this 12 months it could possibly be.”
Requested three easy questions by Dutch tv NOS, Pidcock made three easy predictions.
Who will probably 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 stated.
And who will probably be first to complete within the By way of Roma?
“Me!”
