Just three months ago, Tom Pidcock didn't have a team and his future seemed uncertain. Then in December, he was signed by Q36.5 and immediately showed his desire to perform well. The opportunity soon arrived, and at Strade Bianche, Pidcock presented himself as the only rider capable of challenging Tadej Pogacar's plans. The victory didn't come for the British rider, but his result is certainly an important signal, because on a tough route like the Sienese gravel roads he was the only one capable of dueling with the world champion.

"I wanted to try, and I even made a significant effort to succeed: I came quite close to victory, but in the end Tadej was once again too strong in his final attack, despite his crash 50 kilometers from the finish."

For Pidcock, this second place has a bittersweet taste, because on one hand he demonstrated he could keep up with Pogacar, on the other hand he couldn't celebrate a victory he greatly desired. "I'm happy, but at the same time disappointed. This placement has a slightly bitter and sweet taste, but now I also know that I can improve and next time I might be the one to win."

Tadej Pogacar crashed when there were slightly less than 50 kilometers to go, and Pidcock did not want to take advantage of his opponent's difficult moment: with a fair play gesture, he decided not to attack and to wait for him.

"When Tadej fell, of course I waited for him. He's a rider who made a mistake and he's also the world champion and I certainly respect him. I would have waited for him even if he wasn't the world champion. That's not how you gain an advantage in a race. And of course, there was still a lot of road ahead and I didn't want to continue alone for so long."

For Pidcock, the result at Strade Bianche is very important, not only to increase his self-confidence, but as a demonstration of work that is bearing good fruit. "This result is another good step forward. We are definitely moving in the right direction. And to think that I joined this team, Q36.5, just in December, which is only three months ago."