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Tom Pidcock has sparked fresh intrigue and speculation after being unexpectedly left off Ineos Grenadiers’ lineup for Saturday’s Il Lombardia.
The British cycling star quickly took to Instagram with a cryptic message just as the team announced its seven-rider roster for the prestigious Italian monument that did not include Pidcock.
“Just as things were on the up after a turbulent end to the year I am deselected for Lombardia tomorrow,” Pidcock wrote on Instagram. “I am in great shape and was really looking forwarded to it.
“Good luck to the boys, I guess off-season starts early. Thanks for everyone’s support even in the tough times.”
There was no immediate comment from Ineos Grenadiers officials Friday.
The Brit was among the favorites to challenge pre-race favorite Tadej Pogačar for the spoils in the European season-closer.
After shaking off a concussion at the Tour of Britain in September, he raced the road worlds in Zürich and was second to Pogačar in the Giro dell’Emilia last week.
On Wednesday, he led Ineos with 15th in the lead chase group at 7 seconds behind Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost) in Giro Piemonte.
Sources said Ineos officials told Pidcock on Thursday evening he would not be racing Il Lombardia, one of cycling’s five monuments.
The team publicly confirmed its lineup Friday evening, with Pidcock’s absence prompting him to post his comment online shortly afterward.
Set to race for the British super team are Thymen Arensman, Jonathan Castroviejo, Ethan Hayter, Brandon Rivera, Ben Swift, Connor Swift, and Ben Turner.
This latest situation will only fuel reports and rumors of back-room drama inside the Ineos Grenadiers bus and reignite speculation that the two-time Olympic mountain bike champion might be leaving.
Last week, there were unconfirmed reports that he would join second-tier Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team.
And there’s been ongoing speculation about a move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, especially with Pidcock’s strong links to the energy drink giant.
Pidcock remains under contract with Ineos Grenadiers through 2027.
The final Monument of the season
Tomorrow it’s time for #ILombardia pic.twitter.com/Ute8VMNR7s
— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) October 11, 2024
