Tom Pidcock, the highest paid rider at Ineos Grenadiers, is leaving the squad and will cease being one of its riders at the end of this month. The British World Tour team has confirmed the news in a statement this afternoon.
His departure follows a very turbulent period for the team, which has slumped down the pecking order in pro cycling as its grip on success, especially at Grand Tours, has been lost and other teams have passed it out.
Pidcock has been with the team since 2021 and as an U23 was regarded as one of the most promising riders in the world. However, he has never achieved major success on the road on a regular basis since turning pro.
He was repeatedly linked with ProConti outfit Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team in recent months and may join the Swiss-registered team now that his exit from Ineos Grenadiers has been confirmed.
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Pidcock has won just five races on the road over the last four seasons. And while some of those have been big wins, it is a poor return for such a talented rider who is now aged 25 years.
He said at the recent Rouleur Live show he saw some positive changes at Ineos Grenadiers of late. However, he also made frank remarks, conceding he was not in a happier place within the team in terms of clarity going forward.
“I’m never gonna lie,” Pidcock said when asked by Matt Stephens if his he path forward within Ineos Grenadiers was clearer; a question asked as team management sat in the audience.
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“It’s true, we’ve had a difficult year, I’ve had a difficult year. It’s not what we wanted but I do see a lot of positive changes. And, of course, everyone accepts that there are difficulties when you change it. And we’re seeing those changes happening. I do hope that it can be turned around.”
The full statement from Ineos Grenadiers reads:
INEOS Grenadiers has today announced that Tom Pidcock will leave the team at the end of this season.
The British multi-disciplinary rider has been racing with the INEOS Grenadiers since 2021 and has been a part of some iconic and memorable moments in the sport.
INEOS Grenadiers CEO John Allert said: “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.
“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.”
