{"id":2189732,"date":"2026-10-10T07:39:11","date_gmt":"2026-10-10T04:39:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2189732"},"modified":"2026-10-10T07:39:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-10T04:39:11","slug":"a-lot-of-eyes-have-been-on-me-and-i-need-to-learn-how-to-deal-with-that-tom-pidcock-adjusts-to-favourite-status-ahead-of-il-lombardia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2189732","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;A lot of eyes have been on me and I need to learn how to deal with that&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock adjusts to favourite status ahead of Il Lombardia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZxKkZuJwwVW7NntThzLJT-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZxKkZuJwwVW7NntThzLJT-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Attritional 2026 edition of Il Lombardia won with brilliant solo attack\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Some big absentees, but plenty of quality and a favourite with a question mark \u2013 Analysing the European Championships men&#8217;s road race contenders\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nPinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTom Pidcock\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A lot of eyes have been on me and I need to learn how to deal with that&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock adjusts to favourite status ahead of Il Lombardia<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-10T07:39:11Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">British rider talks tactical headaches ahead of the final Monument of the season<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Pidcock will start Il Lombardia with a lot of attention on him<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4a3ebaba-c472-11f1-926d-a55da9ae33e8\">Tom Pidcock has been one of the strongest riders of the past couple of weeks, and the question of whether he can win Il Lombardia is perhaps not a question of legs but of tactics.<\/p>\n<p>The Pinarello-Q36.5 rider kicked off his late-season one-day campaign with victory at the GP Industria &amp; Artigianato, but since then he has suffered a string of near misses, at the GP de Qu\u00e9bec (4th), GP de Montr\u00e9al (6th), World Championships (7th), Giro dell\u2019Emilia (2nd), and Tre Valli Varesine (2nd).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4a3ebaba-c472-11f1-926d-a55da9ae33e8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I like to think so, but I made a few mistakes the last week,&#8221; Pidcock, speaking at the Il Lombardia teams presentation in Bergamo on Friday evening, said in relation to his usually-sharp ability to read a race.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it\u2019ll be a bit of tactical game. Maybe some energy for the end will be important.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for what those mistakes were and the lessons he\u2019s learned, he added: &#8220;I think that I have stronger legs than perhaps I thought. And sometimes, I just need to control the race myself and not rely on others.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just went into the red and that was it&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock pays for following Paul Seixas&#8217; race-winning move in Il Lombardia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m just gonna enjoy the last part of the year&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock back in road rhythm and chasing a WorldTour win to close out season<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;World Championships were just a snapshot&#8217; \u2013 Back to full confidence, Remco Evenepoel says victory at Il Lombardia would make 2026 his &#8216;best season yet&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-2c3fd6dc-c492-11f1-aa7b-6141eb16ef81\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More on this<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8216;We cannot keep accepting the fact that guys are getting injured or literally dying&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders stage remarkable protest at Il Lombardia as Evenepoel delivers speech on safety<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-2c3fd77c-c492-11f1-a162-2fbdacd454fa\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pidcock, in some ways, has already done just that. In fact, over the past couple of weeks he has established himself as arguably the most honest, and dare we say generous, rider in action right now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the World Championships he was arguably the most committed rider in the group that was dithering so dramatically behind the lone leader Brandon McNulty. A few days ago, at the Giro dell\u2019Emilia, he led the chase of Davide Piganzoli on his own in the final kilometre, burning riders off his wheel and not caring that Oscar Onley was still sucking it. And when Matteo Jorgenson initially refused to pull through in the winning move at Tre Valli Varesine, he made his exasperation abundantly clear.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qyEivgP8adcZEx68sAK3EF\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qyEivgP8adcZEx68sAK3EF slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think a lot of eyes have been on me in last races and I need to learn how to deal with that sometimes,&#8221; Pidcock said in Bergamo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s not easy. But yeah, it\u2019s also a sign of respect, that guys think I\u2019m strong enough to ride like that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pidcock\u2019s season won\u2019t end at Il Lombardia \u2013 he\u2019s off to the Tour of Guangxi stage race next week \u2013 but it\u2019s the final big objective of what has been a busy year that has seen him win a World Championship title on the mountain bike in the middle of his road season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I definitely feel it\u2019s been a long year but I feel good at the same time,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I\u2019ve been listening to my body quite well, taking the rest where I need it, and I think the result is that I\u2019m in great shape now and hopefully I can make the most of it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4a3ec0e6-c472-11f1-adc7-b300a7a58aa2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-qyEivgP8adcZEx68sAK3EF\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-qyEivgP8adcZEx68sAK3EF slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Patrick Fletcher<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just went into the red and that was it&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock pays for following Paul Seixas&#8217; race-winning move in Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m just gonna enjoy the last part of the year&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock back in road rhythm and chasing a WorldTour win to close out season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;World Championships were just a snapshot&#8217; \u2013 Back to full confidence, Remco Evenepoel says victory at Il Lombardia would make 2026 his &#8216;best season yet&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">World Championships &#8216;favours saving for one big move&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock aiming for &#8216;truly amazing&#8217; road title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s becoming a bit dangerous&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s team feeling the heat after Tom Pidcock&#8217;s Tour de France stage 13 raid<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I haven&#8217;t found my top form since the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel comes up short at Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just went into the red and that was it&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock pays for following Paul Seixas&#8217; race-winning move in Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It hasn&#8217;t been the easiest year&#8217; &#8211; Marianne Vos finishes a tough season on a history-making high at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Matt Beers ready to chase &#8216;a medal of any kind&#8217; as he picks shot at Gravel World Championships glory over Life Time Grand Prix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m kind of nervous&#8217; \u2013 Will mystery knee injury hold Isaac del Toro back at Il Lombardia?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I haven&#8217;t found my top form since the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel comes up short at Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just went into the red and that was it&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock pays for following Paul Seixas&#8217; race-winning move in Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It hasn&#8217;t been the easiest year&#8217; &#8211; Marianne Vos finishes a tough season on a history-making high at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just had nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Tiffany Cromwell delivers feisty farewell in Nannup at home UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We cannot keep accepting the fact that guys are getting injured or literally dying&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders stage remarkable protest at Il Lombardia as Evenepoel delivers speech on safety<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I just went into the red and that was it&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock pays for following Paul Seixas&#8217; race-winning move in Il Lombardia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It hasn&#8217;t been the easiest year&#8217; &#8211; Marianne Vos finishes a tough season on a history-making high at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Il Lombardia: Paul Seixas puts in stunning solo ride to claim first Monument<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I just had nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Tiffany Cromwell delivers feisty farewell in Nannup at home UCI Gravel World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nPinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTom Pidcock\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A lot of eyes have been on me and I need to learn how to deal with that&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock adjusts to favourite status ahead of Il Lombardia<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-10T07:39:11Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">British rider talks tactical headaches ahead of the final Monument of the season<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Pidcock will start Il Lombardia with a lot of attention on him<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4a3ebaba-c472-11f1-926d-a55da9ae33e8\">Tom Pidcock has been one of the strongest riders of the past couple of weeks, and the question of whether he can win Il Lombardia is perhaps not a question of legs but of tactics.<\/p>\n<p>The Pinarello-Q36.5 rider kicked off his late-season one-day campaign with victory at the GP Industria &amp; Artigianato, but since then he has suffered a string of near misses, at the GP de Qu\u00e9bec (4th), GP de Montr\u00e9al (6th), World Championships (7th), Giro dell\u2019Emilia (2nd), and Tre Valli Varesine (2nd).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4a3ebaba-c472-11f1-926d-a55da9ae33e8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I like to think so, but I made a few mistakes the last week,&#8221; Pidcock, speaking at the Il Lombardia teams presentation in Bergamo on Friday evening, said in relation to his usually-sharp ability to read a race.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it\u2019ll be a bit of tactical game. Maybe some energy for the end will be important.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for what those mistakes were and the lessons he\u2019s learned, he added: &#8220;I think that I have stronger legs than perhaps I thought. And sometimes, I just need to control the race myself and not rely on others.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just went into the red and that was it&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock pays for following Paul Seixas&#8217; race-winning move in Il Lombardia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m just gonna enjoy the last part of the year&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock back in road rhythm and chasing a WorldTour win to close out season<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;World Championships were just a snapshot&#8217; \u2013 Back to full confidence, Remco Evenepoel says victory at Il Lombardia would make 2026 his &#8216;best season yet&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-2c3fd6dc-c492-11f1-aa7b-6141eb16ef81\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More on this<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8216;We cannot keep accepting the fact that guys are getting injured or literally dying&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders stage remarkable protest at Il Lombardia as Evenepoel delivers speech on safety<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-2c3fd77c-c492-11f1-a162-2fbdacd454fa\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pidcock, in some ways, has already done just that. In fact, over the past couple of weeks he has established himself as arguably the most honest, and dare we say generous, rider in action right now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the World Championships he was arguably the most committed rider in the group that was dithering so dramatically behind the lone leader Brandon McNulty. A few days ago, at the Giro dell\u2019Emilia, he led the chase of Davide Piganzoli on his own in the final kilometre, burning riders off his wheel and not caring that Oscar Onley was still sucking it. And when Matteo Jorgenson initially refused to pull through in the winning move at Tre Valli Varesine, he made his exasperation abundantly clear.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qyEivgP8adcZEx68sAK3EF\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qyEivgP8adcZEx68sAK3EF slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think a lot of eyes have been on me in last races and I need to learn how to deal with that sometimes,&#8221; Pidcock said in Bergamo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s not easy. But yeah, it\u2019s also a sign of respect, that guys think I\u2019m strong enough to ride like that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pidcock\u2019s season won\u2019t end at Il Lombardia \u2013 he\u2019s off to the Tour of Guangxi stage race next week \u2013 but it\u2019s the final big objective of what has been a busy year that has seen him win a World Championship title on the mountain bike in the middle of his road season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I definitely feel it\u2019s been a long year but I feel good at the same time,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I\u2019ve been listening to my body quite well, taking the rest where I need it, and I think the result is that I\u2019m in great shape now and hopefully I can make the most of it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4a3ec0e6-c472-11f1-adc7-b300a7a58aa2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. 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Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-qyEivgP8adcZEx68sAK3EF\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-qyEivgP8adcZEx68sAK3EF slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Patrick Fletcher<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just went into the red and that was it&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock pays for following Paul Seixas&#8217; race-winning move in Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m just gonna enjoy the last part of the year&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock back in road rhythm and chasing a WorldTour win to close out season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;World Championships were just a snapshot&#8217; \u2013 Back to full confidence, Remco Evenepoel says victory at Il Lombardia would make 2026 his &#8216;best season yet&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">World Championships &#8216;favours saving for one big move&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock aiming for &#8216;truly amazing&#8217; road title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s becoming a bit dangerous&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s team feeling the heat after Tom Pidcock&#8217;s Tour de France stage 13 raid<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I haven&#8217;t found my top form since the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel comes up short at Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just went into the red and that was it&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock pays for following Paul Seixas&#8217; race-winning move in Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It hasn&#8217;t been the easiest year&#8217; &#8211; Marianne Vos finishes a tough season on a history-making high at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Matt Beers ready to chase &#8216;a medal of any kind&#8217; as he picks shot at Gravel World Championships glory over Life Time Grand Prix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m kind of nervous&#8217; \u2013 Will mystery knee injury hold Isaac del Toro back at Il Lombardia?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I haven&#8217;t found my top form since the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel comes up short at Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just went into the red and that was it&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock pays for following Paul Seixas&#8217; race-winning move in Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It hasn&#8217;t been the easiest year&#8217; &#8211; Marianne Vos finishes a tough season on a history-making high at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just had nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Tiffany Cromwell delivers feisty farewell in Nannup at home UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We cannot keep accepting the fact that guys are getting injured or literally dying&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders stage remarkable protest at Il Lombardia as Evenepoel delivers speech on safety<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I just went into the red and that was it&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock pays for following Paul Seixas&#8217; race-winning move in Il Lombardia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It hasn&#8217;t been the easiest year&#8217; &#8211; Marianne Vos finishes a tough season on a history-making high at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Il Lombardia: Paul Seixas puts in stunning solo ride to claim first Monument<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I just had nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Tiffany Cromwell delivers feisty farewell in Nannup at home UCI Gravel World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nPinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTom Pidcock\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A lot of eyes have been on me and I need to learn how to deal with that&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock adjusts to favourite status ahead of Il Lombardia<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-10T07:39:11Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">British rider talks tactical headaches ahead of the final Monument of the season<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4a3ebaba-c472-11f1-926d-a55da9ae33e8\">Tom Pidcock has been one of the strongest riders of the past couple of weeks, and the question of whether he can win Il Lombardia is perhaps not a question of legs but of tactics.<\/p>\n<p>The Pinarello-Q36.5 rider kicked off his late-season one-day campaign with victory at the GP Industria &amp; Artigianato, but since then he has suffered a string of near misses, at the GP de Qu\u00e9bec (4th), GP de Montr\u00e9al (6th), World Championships (7th), Giro dell\u2019Emilia (2nd), and Tre Valli Varesine (2nd).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4a3ebaba-c472-11f1-926d-a55da9ae33e8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I like to think so, but I made a few mistakes the last week,&#8221; Pidcock, speaking at the Il Lombardia teams presentation in Bergamo on Friday evening, said in relation to his usually-sharp ability to read a race.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it\u2019ll be a bit of tactical game. Maybe some energy for the end will be important.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for what those mistakes were and the lessons he\u2019s learned, he added: &#8220;I think that I have stronger legs than perhaps I thought. And sometimes, I just need to control the race myself and not rely on others.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VuJ8zRrDHSTTH4u3657ZfZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just went into the red and that was it&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock pays for following Paul Seixas&#8217; race-winning move in Il Lombardia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BZLiCjGBcknaF6D69DMno7-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m just gonna enjoy the last part of the year&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock back in road rhythm and chasing a WorldTour win to close out season<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vtXyoi5hkBzbsggs9ag5de-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;World Championships were just a snapshot&#8217; \u2013 Back to full confidence, Remco Evenepoel says victory at Il Lombardia would make 2026 his &#8216;best season yet&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-2c3fd6dc-c492-11f1-aa7b-6141eb16ef81\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More on this<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8216;We cannot keep accepting the fact that guys are getting injured or literally dying&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders stage remarkable protest at Il Lombardia as Evenepoel delivers speech on safety<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-2c3fd77c-c492-11f1-a162-2fbdacd454fa\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pidcock, in some ways, has already done just that. In fact, over the past couple of weeks he has established himself as arguably the most honest, and dare we say generous, rider in action right now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the World Championships he was arguably the most committed rider in the group that was dithering so dramatically behind the lone leader Brandon McNulty. A few days ago, at the Giro dell\u2019Emilia, he led the chase of Davide Piganzoli on his own in the final kilometre, burning riders off his wheel and not caring that Oscar Onley was still sucking it. And when Matteo Jorgenson initially refused to pull through in the winning move at Tre Valli Varesine, he made his exasperation abundantly clear.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qyEivgP8adcZEx68sAK3EF\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qyEivgP8adcZEx68sAK3EF slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think a lot of eyes have been on me in last races and I need to learn how to deal with that sometimes,&#8221; Pidcock said in Bergamo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s not easy. But yeah, it\u2019s also a sign of respect, that guys think I\u2019m strong enough to ride like that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pidcock\u2019s season won\u2019t end at Il Lombardia \u2013 he\u2019s off to the Tour of Guangxi stage race next week \u2013 but it\u2019s the final big objective of what has been a busy year that has seen him win a World Championship title on the mountain bike in the middle of his road season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I definitely feel it\u2019s been a long year but I feel good at the same time,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I\u2019ve been listening to my body quite well, taking the rest where I need it, and I think the result is that I\u2019m in great shape now and hopefully I can make the most of it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4a3ec0e6-c472-11f1-adc7-b300a7a58aa2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/a-lot-of-eyes-have-been-on-me-and-i-need-to-learn-how-to-deal-with-that-tom-pidcock-adjusts-to-favourite-status-ahead-of-il-lombardia\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Attritional 2026 edition of Il Lombardia won with brilliant solo attack 2 Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders 3 Some big absentees, but plenty of quality and a favourite with a question mark \u2013 Analysing the European Championships [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2189732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2189732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2189732"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2189732\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2189732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2189732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2189732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}