Tom Pidcock to part ways with Ineos Grenadiers at end of season after four years
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Updated 04/12/2024 at 18:01 GMT
Ineos Grenadiers have announced two-time Olympic champion Tom Pidcock will leave the team at the close of the current season. The British rider, who has been with Ineos since February 2021, has won world championship titles in cyclo-cross and mountain bike cross-country, while the 25-year-old has also won a stage on the Tour de France in 2022. Ineos thanked Pidcock for his four years of service.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Ineos Grenadiers announced on Wednesday that two-time Olympic champion Tom Pidcock will not race in the team's colours in 2025.
The British rider joined Ineos in February 2021 and was reportedly the "highest-paid" rider in the team on a contract running until 2027, but team and cyclist reached an agreement to terminate the deal prematurely, with rumours circulating about a potential move to Swiss team Q36.5.
In their statement confirming his departure, Ineos showed gratitude for Pidcock's four years of service, and noted his "big multi-disciplinary goals" were a factor in the parties' decision.
"We’re really proud of the work we’ve done with Tom to help him achieve some extraordinary and memorable moments. Together we’ve written a powerful chapter and shown how exciting and diverse professional cycling can be," read the statement from Ineos CEO John Allert.
"Tom has some big multi-disciplinary goals and we believe this decision enables both of us to pursue our future ambitions with clarity, purpose and determination.
"We thank Tom for the last four years and wish him the best of luck for the future."
Despite winning world titles in cyclo-cross and cross-country, Pidcock has not shown the same level of consistency on the road.
A single Tour de France stage win in 2022 – Alpe d'Huez mountain stage – helped Pidcock finish second behind Tadej Pogacar in the race for the white jersey, but had to abandon his 2024 Tour after contracting Covid-19.
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And while the back-to-back mountain bike Olympic champion had been regaining his form towards the end of this season, a shock snub for the Il Lombardia in October came as a surprise to Pidcock himself.
He wrote on Instagram at the time: "Just as things were on the up after a turbulent end to the year I am deselected for Lombardia tomorrow.
"I am in great shape and was really looking forward to it! Good luck to the boys, I guess off season starts early. Thanks for everyone’s support even in the tough times."
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Video credit: TNT Sports
While with Ineos, Pidcock claimed stunning wins at Strade Bianche and this year's Amstel Gold Race.
The 25-year-old was spotted at the team's training camp in November, but was not included in Ineos' promotional posts or videos.
It is not yet known whether the team will choose to sign a replacement for Pidcock, though Maxim Van Gils remains an option after leaving Lotto Dstny before the end of his contract last week.
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