ONE TO WATCH Tom Pidcock
Yorkshire teenager Tom Pidcock has been a sensation for the last two seasons, proving to be one of Britain’s brightest future talents. The now 18-year-old had a stellar run last winter that included three wins in the Junior Cyclo-cross World Cup, and culminated in a hat-trick of victories to become junior cyclo-cross world, European and national champion.
Despite going into the Worlds last January as one of the race favourites, Pidcock dealt well with pressure that would affect riders with much more experience. He topped an all-british podium for the first time ever, and became the first British rider since Roger Hammond in 1992 to win the title.
The style, confidence and panache of his victories, his mix of over-the-line celebrations — a Superman, a starfish and a salute so far — nifty bike handling skills and versatility have garnered him comparisons to Peter Sagan. Now racing this cross season as an under-23, Pidcock signed for Sven Nys’s Belgian team Telenet Fidea Lions earlier this year. He will join the squad in October as he builds towards the World Championships in January.
Away from cross, Pidcock has shown there’s little so far he can’t turn his hand to. On the British Cycling Academy programme he’s combined track and road, and recorded an eclectic mix of victories in 2017: a round of the Tour Series, the National Circuit Championships and the scratch race at the Junior Track Championships. However, it was his win at Junior Paris-roubaix in April that really sent his stock soaring, as, despite his small stature, he cruised over the pavé with ease. A professional road contract can’t be too far away.