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'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

British rider Tom Pidcock has emerged as a dominant force in late-season one-day racing, though his recent performances have been marked by near-misses rather than outright victories. After winning the GP Industria & Artigianato to kick off his campaign, Pidcock finished fourth at the GP de Québec, sixth at the GP de Montréal, and seventh at the UCI Road World Championships.

His closest calls came at the Giro dell’Emilia, where he took second place, and at Tre Valli Varesine, where he again finished runner-up. Speaking ahead of Il Lombardia, Pidcock acknowledged tactical errors in recent races, emphasizing the need to manage his own efforts rather than relying on others.

He also highlighted the pressure of being a focal point in races, noting that while it reflects respect from competitors, it requires mental adjustment to perform at his best under scrutiny. Beyond Il Lombardia, Pidcock will shift focus to the Tour of Guangxi, wrapping up a season that included a World Championship mountain bike title amid his road commitments.

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