Tom Pidcock rarely holds back, in racing or in interviews. So it was not surprising when his disappointment at losing the 298-km Milan-San Remo by about 315mm. Even if that loss was against Tadej Pogačar. The Brit let loose with his understandable frustration at missing out on what could have been his first Monument win, and dished on what he think’s the Slovenian’s future at MSR might be.
“When you come so close, it hurts.”
After surviving the Poggio on Pogačar’s wheel, Pidcock looked perfectly positioned to deny the world champion one of the few wins that has eluded him. The Pinarello-Q36.5 rider had forced Pogačar to lead out the sprint and, with a rapidly closing chase group forcing the lead duo to keep their pace moving, looked like he had set up a perfect scenario to take the win.
That wasn’t to be. Pogačar out kicked Pidcock to win by half a wheel.
“I’m mainly disappointed right now,” Pidcock admitted in the post-race interviews. “Yes, I lost to the best cyclist of all time. But I can’t help be disappointed.”
In 2025, Pidcock crashed before the Cipressa, ending his Milan-San Remo in a less spectacular but also frustrating way. “The disappointment is different from last year. I feel great and I was in the mix this year, but yes, I was so close to a victory in a Monument.”
“His way of attacking … suits me well”
Despite the raw, post-finish line emotions, the Brit did allow some recognition of what he’d accomplished.
“Maybe I should look at it from a distance. What I actually did is amazing. I’m quite proud,” Pidcock allowed, adding a hint at how he tamed the Slovenian’s notorious efforts. “On the Poggio, it became difficult for Tadej to drop me. His way of attacking, where he attacks for half a minute at a time and then rests, suits me well.”
Could that be a hint at how future showdowns between Pidcock and Pogačar could play out differently?
Possibly, but the Brit already seemed more focused on what might happen in 365 days, not the rest of the season.
“Tadej said he isn’t coming back to this race.”
Despite keeping up with Pogačar on the Poggio, something even Mathieu van der Poel failed to do this year, Pidcock says the Slovenian’s pace was astounding.
“On the Poggio, it felt like there was a motorbike riding in front of me.”
Then the Brit dropped some spicy gossip.
“That won’t be the case next year. Tadej said he isn’t coming back to this race.”
If true, it wouldn’t be unreasonable. Pogačar was denied victory five times at Milan-San Remo before finally claiming his win on Saturday. Still, we’d all like to see the world champion return to Italy. His presence has made the Monument one of the most thrilling races of the year.