Ineos Grenadiers co-leader and former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas has weighed in on the continuing disaster surrounding teammate Tom Pidcock, saying in an Instagram takeover posted on Eurosport that “It’s simply tousled.”
Pidcock suffered a shock late exit from the group’s Il Lombardia lineup – a race the place he was thought-about an outdoor favorite – saying on his personal Instagram account that “Just as issues have been on the up after a turbulent finish to the 12 months I’m deselected.”
Team sports activities director Zak Dempster confirmed to Cyclingnews on Saturday morning earlier than the Il Lombardia begin that the deselection had been a ‘ administration determination and that is their proper’.
But past that, there was no communication from Ineos as to why the Briton was pulled out of the squad and nothing indicating what his future with the group, with whom he’s below contract till 2027, may very well be.
Thomas commented in regards to the sophisticated state of affairs late in the identical day on Eurosport, declaring first that though he was not acquainted with the small print, the ensuing situation was something however optimistic.
“I do not really know what has gone on, however all I do know is, if you’re the highest-paid rider in your group… it is clearly a very c*** state of affairs,” Thomas mentioned.
The Welsh star added that Pidcock would have had choices to be a contender in Il Lombardia, had he been racing.
“He’s not completely happy, the group’s not completely happy. How has it received thus far? I do not know. People who’re round Tom I do not suppose assist. The reality is that he had an important likelihood of performing at this time.”
Prior to not racing Il Lombardia, Pidcock had not too long ago impressed within the Giro dell’Emilia by taking second place behind Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) in atrocious climate circumstances. The Briton then went on to complete fifteenth within the Gran Piemonte in the primary chasing group behind breakaway Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost).
Thomas referred to the Cyclingnews interview with Dempster, however he repeated that he – and his teammates – have been at the hours of darkness relating to the foundation reason behind the Pidcock non-selection. “I noticed that Zak had mentioned it is a administration name, it isn’t a efficiency name. I actually do not know something about that. We’re simply riders, what can we find out about administration?
However, Thomas then repeated in no unsure phrases that whatever the trigger, the top end result was one which had left Ineos Grenadiers in a really difficult situation with one among their prime racers.
“It’s simply not good. All the b****** apart, he is an important expertise. He’s an excellent man, when I’m round him we’ve a pleasant time, so it isn’t good to see that state of affairs. We’ll see what occurs.”
After having two riders within the early break of the day – Brandon Rivera and Thymen Arensman – Ineos Grenadiers’ greatest finisher within the 2024 Il Lombardia was additionally Arensman, who accomplished the course in fifteenth place.
Ineos are actually set to race within the Tour of Guangxi this week, the group’s final occasion of the 2024 season. Almost evidently, Pidcock won’t be collaborating there, both.