Tom Pidcock Responds to Being Dropped by INEOS for Lombardia: ‘Looks Like Off-Season Starts Early’

Chaos Unfolds – Tom Pidcock Reacts to INEOS Dropping Him from Lombardia: “I Guess Off-Season Starts Early”

This week has seen mounting speculation about Tom Pidcock’s future with INEOS Grenadiers amid rumors of a potential move to Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. The situation escalated when INEOS unexpectedly removed Pidcock from the Il Lombardia race, sparking frustration for the British rider.

The news shocked many when the official startlist for the season’s final monument was revealed, showing Ethan Hayter in the lineup instead of Pidcock. Despite being one of the highest-paid riders on the British team, Pidcock’s relationship with INEOS has been strained, especially after this year’s Tour de France, where he underperformed, leaving without a win and not assisting Carlos Rodríguez.

Though his road season lacked standout results, Pidcock’s year still included major victories such as the Amstel Gold Race and the Olympic Mountain Biking title. Recently, he finished second at the Giro dell’Emilia, narrowly losing to Tadej Pogacar, and was expected to lead INEOS at Lombardia, a race that suited him.

However, when Pidcock was not listed on the startline, it fueled further tension. INEOS confirmed the team lineup via Twitter, and Pidcock soon responded through Instagram. His post made it clear that the decision to sit out the race was not his own, and he had been looking forward to competing in the Italian monument, where he was seen as a strong contender for the podium.

Pidcock expressed his disappointment with a message: “Just as things were on the up after a turbulent end to the year I am deselected for Lombardia tomorrow. I am in great shape and was really looking forward to it! Good luck to the boys, I guess off-season starts early. Thanks for everyone’s support even in the tough times.”