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Funny we dont talk about his win here but we do talk about the Giro for example?
Stunning win mate 🙂
Well it's much easier not to be intimidated by the hapless roadies isn't it?
Watching xc really just reminds us that being a MTBer is no excuse for a BMI of 30.
Watching good XC just reminds us that you can be good up a hill despite being quick and capable down one.
So true.
Chasing my 11 year old on trails is for sure helping my BMI 😉
Watching xc really just reminds us that being a MTBer is no excuse for a BMI of 30.
He's also a former e-bike world champion, so the fatties gravitationally challenged can't even use that as an excuse
Good to see XC getting good coverage and excellent courses. I reckon In a couple of years a high end trail bike will be indistinguishable from a pro XC race bike.
Make Pedalling Great Again
I reckon In a couple of years a high end trail bike will be indistinguishable from a pro XC race bike
Nah, I've read enough STW to know that all XC courses could be more easily, quickly and enjoyably pedalled on a gravel bike, (as could fort bill I gather) so I think they'll go all curly bars.
(mmmmm curly wurly bars mmmmm)
Maybe that's why TP is so good? Really they all just want to be on road bikes with sensible tyres and he's reasonably handy on a road bike.
Make Pedalling Great Again
It'll make the trails come ALIVE!
He really is a talented young chap, must be nice to drop into a series and win that round! Also BMI 30? I've not lost weight you know.
He’s also a former e-bike world champion, so the fatties gravitationally challenged can’t even use that as an excuse
I'm pretty sure the e-bike world champ race was just a demonstration in who was fit enough to continue pedaling above the 15mph cut off ie still the fittest riders
Watching xc really just reminds us that being a
MTBerhuman being who is capable of looking after themselves is no excuse for a BMI of 30.
FTFY 😉
Watching good XC just reminds us that you can be good up a hill despite being quick and capable down one.
The majority of the difference between him and the other guys who've dominated is his climbing ability, that and the fact he weighs 59kg piss wet through; he's seemingly not quite as fast as Nino and Fluckiger once it points downwards, but he can gap them with what looks like (amazing poker face) ease as soon as the gradients hit double figures.
I reckon In a couple of years a high end trail bike will be indistinguishable from a pro XC race bike
Not unless they can make them under 10kg and reliable it won't, even on the most technical of courses there's very few riders with more than 100m of travel - unless they're on a Scott - it's more about the 34 & 35mm stanchioned forks, for stiffness and exceptionally supple factory issue tyres than anything else on those bikes. FWIW Pidders' BMC 4 stroke with it's clever fully electronic smart suspension, super trick Silverton wheels and stripped paint work is 9.2kg, granted it's tiny, but man that's light, not in a shitty £5 luggage scale "look at my mega light 130mm trail bike, but actually light in the real world.
Not unless they can make them under 10kg and reliable it won’t, even on the most technical of courses there’s very few riders with more than 100m of travel – unless they’re on a Scott – it’s more about the 34 & 35mm stanchioned forks, for stiffness and exceptionally supple factory issue tyres than anything else on those bikes.
thats where I'm going with this - the next gen of XC bikes (everything from angles to tyres) made for these courses will be the perfect machine for an amateur to ride on most normal trails.
Once enduro has gone fully to mini DH territory and becomes dull and sluggish at IT director levels of bravery Nu-school xc will step up to fill the gap.
thats where I’m going with this – the next gen of XC bikes (everything from angles to tyres) made for these courses will be the perfect machine for an amateur to ride on most normal trails.
Sort of already here with down country.
My Intense Sniper T is 11.9kg with pedals in a large. 120mm each end with 34mm forks. I'd bet it's more than enough bike for 80% of riders.
I still think the IT directors will want 160mm of travel.
Said the IT director. More than happy with mine even if it’s more bike than I’ll ever need. The only place where I’ve found it really dull is Thetford.
I’ve seen (and m sure others have too) social media footage of Tom riding DH trails in Morzine and other places. Based on what I saw I’m quite sure he could race a DH World Cup and do well if he wanted to (or was allowed to by ineos).
He might just be the most talented push bike rider/racer on the planet.
twas a shame his classics season was disrupted with illness.
Fantastic effort.
Shame this didn't get more show in the general UK news.
Nothing to add really, other than his uncle is friend of mine and he's a very good rider, a mean tennis player and was in the Great Britain Olympic hockey squad.
Very talented family!
I’m pretty sure the e-bike world champ race was just a demonstration in who was fit enough to continue pedaling above the 15mph cut off ie still the fittest riders
Average speed per lap in a race is typically less that 15.5mph and would definitely be less up the climbs so an eBike is generally going to help them.
I believe the eBike races were more of a contractual thing to help increase eBike sales.
From a career point of view you are still better off being a road rider than an XC rider which is why the likes of Pidcock and MVDP just turn up now and again and don't do the whole season of XC.
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sharkbait
Free MemberNothing to add really, other than his uncle is friend of mine and he’s a very good rider, a mean tennis player and was in the Great Britain Olympic hockey squad.
Some people just make you feel inadequate!
Brilliant result, looks like he absolutely smashed it.
I am a fat middle aged knacker.
2 of the most inspiring things I have watched live or on telly re biking: Good enduro type riding, and proper fast XC racers.
Watched the under 16s XC race at glentress recently and boy, did they fly! I chugged my way around the same trails, they didn't even lower their seats and went faster up than I went down. Awesome.
Watching Nino at on the Olympics course in 2016 - thrusting uphill. not spinning, not grinding, but thrusting and visibly accelerating with every pedal stroke was so impressive.
Pidcock seems to be even a step up from the old guard, amazing!
My Intense Sniper T is 11.9kg with pedals in a large. 120mm each end with 34mm forks. I’d bet it’s more than enough bike for 80% of riders.
Quiet in the back, you'll ruin the entire industry with talk like that 😀
they didn’t even lower their seats
I never lower my seat on my XC bike....
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52063425626_0aa8db7ba5.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52063425626_0aa8db7ba5.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2njEEzq ]Scott Spark RC[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/brf/ ]Ben Freeman[/url], on Flickr
Integrated seat tube.
I've not seen one of those on a MTB in a loooong time
Sort of already here with down country.
pretty close. many brands "downcountry" bike shares the frame with the xc race bike already.
Dont think we are quite there with some racers still selecting hardtails and fixed posts (and if its faster for them based on testing then of course, crack on), but its getting close. Once droppers and rear suss are considered mandatory - by money-no-object pro riders at least - then downcountry and xc will have aligned.
Was it Fluckinger that punctured towards the end? the way he was riding it to the pits on the flat he almost certainly had some sort of insert in the tyre.
Was it Fluckinger that punctured towards the end? the way he was riding it to the pits on the flat he almost certainly had some sort of insert in the tyre.
Yeah it was, and quite likely he had one in the rear, but also being a full factory pro they generally won't give a hoot about breaking stuff, so wheels are essentially sacrificial.
Let's not forget Evie Richards too, her season hasn't got off to the best start but equally she's an incredible talent XC wise. Regards bikes and the trail/downcountry...etc etc debate its worth noting Trek have gone the other way - the Super Calibre is very aggressive and just 60mm of rear travel. In total agreement with Pidcock he really is pleasure watch - Nove Mesto this week, can't wait 😀
Is it true to say that Pidcock had a free choice in what bike to race, because Pinarello don't make a mountain bike? So unusually for a pro he's not just riding what a sponsor tells him to.
The angles on the BMC are definitely on the downcountry end of the spectrum though still 100mm travel. MVDP's Canyon last year was on the other end of the spectrum, with no dropper (by choice) too...I suppose it doesn't matter when you've the skills.
Yeah it was, and quite likely he had one in the rear, but also being a full factory pro they generally won’t give a hoot about breaking stuff, so wheels are essentially sacrificial.
disposable yes, but I mean more the way he was riding it. Foot out sideways slide on one downhill corner, he was properly powering along with it squirming on the tarmac after that too. Looked like it held onto the bead and wasn't riding right on the rim either.
Is it true to say that Pidcock had a free choice in what bike to race, because Pinarello don’t make a mountain bike? So unusually for a pro he’s not just riding what a sponsor tells him to.
if not free choice, then I'd say certainly some element of testing and selection. That he ended up with a BMC who have a road presence says a lot.
The frame is decal-less but the suntour suspension is labeled*, is this a private sponsorship between Suntour and TP or Suntour - Ineos
All in, that makes it about the most interesting bike in the paddock, yet no interest from Pinkbike or Vital bike check articles. Either they want it hidden, or all the bike check articles are actually paid sponsored pieces
*also coming up to a year since Tokyo and we havent seen any info on this potentially game changing electronic suspension.
I'd guess as Ineos are a Pinarello sponsored team; any promotion of another manufacturer's bike (even unmarked) is a 'no no'.
Saying that, GCN Tech did mention the Suntour electronic fork last year I recall.
It always amuses me that on a MTB website, road races seem to get more comments than MTB races.....
That he ended up with a BMC who have a road presence says a lot
Road has nothing to do with it, that Bike has a strong XC Race presence and has done for years, there were lots BMC's in that race.
It always amuses me that on a MTB website, road races seem to get more comments than MTB races…..
I don't know, for my part I quite like road racing but I find the actual riding rather dull. Mtb I find the riding fun but the racing doesn't really interest me, I don't really see the racing as in any meaningful way linked to what I do. Certainly no more or less than road riding.
I guess it's the camaraderie or that something else that I can experience doing something but is in no way present as a spectator and It's a fairly common theme for me, the things I like doing don't really interest me as a professional competitive endeavour. Things which I enjoy watching as a professional thing I don't really enjoy taking part in. (that's not to say its one or the other, motor sports and driving are both things which I find mind numbing.)
Road has nothing to do with it, that Bike has a strong XC Race presence and has done for years, there were lots BMC’s in that race.
There were other BMC's, but presumably with different suspension?
Road has nothing to do with it, that Bike has a strong XC Race presence and has done for years, there were lots BMC’s in that race.
I meant that Pinarello were happy for him to ride a (black) BMC - a direct competitor in the road market - rather than saying that he would have to select from Santa Cruz, Mondraker, Norco etc that have little or no drop bar products.
I guess they're much more interested in one of their riders winning on a competitor product than not winning in a non competitor one. (in a field they don't produce for)
Actually does anyone make a serious XCO bike that isn't a competitor on the road?
(SC Mondraker etc all make xc bikes, but I can't recall seeing one at top level in any of my brief dalliances with watching it)
Rebecca McConnell is on Mondraker and has won 2 elite races this year
IIRC Sky/Ineos picked Pinarello as they were offering the most money to ride their bikes (Dave Brailsford admitted in an interview they weren't the best bikes but the extra $$ made up for it as they could afford better domestiques etc). So possible BMC made the the best offer for TP to ride their make...
Surely it would be branded in that case?
Ibis is another, ridden by Team 31, Thomus is another, they don't have a huge road presence, especially in the Pro peloton. American Eagle are just Chinese Scott rip-offs repainted, Ghost are exactly huge outside of their home country.
Pidders chose the BMC, but if you watch some of his interviews, he's not allowed to talk about the bike. This is about as much as you can find on it.
Surely it would be branded in that case?
Good point, suggests they had to buy it themselves!
Pidders chose the BMC, but if you watch some of his interviews, he’s not allowed to talk about the bike. This is about as much as you can find on it.
has he ever mentioned why he runs his brakes reversed/euro style?
These Pro's are in different world to us. 200 mile recovery ride!
has he ever mentioned why he runs his brakes reversed/euro style?
I know quite a few people who do, perhaps he just likes it.
More Pidcock amazingness: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/tom-pidcock-recovers-from-albstadt-win-by-riding-190km-to-the-czech-republic.html
Love the first comment after the article, I LOL'd
I recovered from my 20km ride by sitting on the couch and eating chips for half a week
😂, yup, I can identify with that!
Article shows a lot of ignorance about top road cyclists. A 190km could never be called massive and something any of them can take in their stride so not exactly impressive in any way at all.
something any of them can take in their stride so not exactly impressive in any way at all.
20mph average for nearly 6 hours ?solo? on a not at all flat route is fairly impressive no matter how you spin it.
It might not be especially unusual amidst pros but let's be honest, they're pros precisely because they're impressive.
it's 6k more than strade bianche this year which pog won in about an hour less, in a race, with a full pro bunch to ride with, that's not exactly bad going on your own is it? I get the route isn't the same etc but still, it's a bar none of us could hit *in* a race.
And that's the thing, I'd probably find your results/recovery rides impressive, because (iirc) they're a long way above my reach.
Article shows a lot of ignorance about top road cyclists
Also, point of order, the article is about pidcock the XC MTB racer, not the road racer. I get they're one and the same person but in one field he may be truly exceptional where as in the other he's maybe only pretty good*.
If you're going to make the comparison and say its not unusual you need to make it with the people around him - eg XC field - where other pro roadies aren't even riding so yes, the next pro in tla WT team might happily chug out 190km on a Monday morning, they absolutely aren't doing it after winning an XC worlds race.**
It's a bit like saying a triantelope is a slow runner or TTist compared with Kipchoge or Pog, neither of whom just did a bloody great swim before hand. Sure their bike time might not be especially impressive, but it's beyond comparison when you stop looking at it in isolation.
*and I think that (**) makes him pretty exceptional in the other too tbh.
And that’s the thing, I’d probably find your results/recovery rides impressive, because (iirc) they’re a long way above my reach.
You certainly don't remember correctly as my results/recovery rides are very, very unimpressive!
I still think someone who is 'reporting' on an XC top athlete is rather ignorant to not know the background of the XC racers and the sort of riding and training they do.
MVDP is going to blow their mind...
Great bike rider.
He used to race my local XC races when he was a junior. Not many were keen on him or his dad, definitely not the friendliest of people. We have quite a few other pro's in the area who are all lovely, Swift, Blythe, the Downing brothers are all genuinely nice.
"Actually does anyone make a serious XCO bike that isn’t a competitor on the road?
(SC Mondraker etc all make xc bikes, but I can’t recall seeing one at top level in any of my brief dalliances with watching it)"
Santa Cruz have a serious XC team. Maxime Marotte and Luca Braidot are their best known riders. They have Blurs in a nice olive green colour. Not sure if that's coming to consumers or just to avoid a hideous clash between the salmon pink/orange and the orange Fox Factory forks.
As said Rebecca McConnell has won all three XCOs this year, on a Mondraker.
Matthias Flukiger, consistently one of the best riders of the last few years, rides a Thomus - they make road bikes (he rode one at Tour De Romandie) but not aware of any sponsored pro teams.
Quite a few top XC racers ride euro-brands that dson't have much presence in the UK, like american eagle, ghost, Kross. I think the euro market is much more interested in xc bikes than the UK.
BTW, it's not just Scott using more than 100mm now. I believe Jordan Sarou is increasingly using his Epic Evo, and some euro brands are 120mm too.
Would have been interesting to see what Milan Vader chose for XC. He riders for Jumbo Visma and obviously no Cervelo mtb for him. Obviously we haven't seen him this year because of his terrible crash on the road.
and obviously no Cervelo mtb for him.
You missed the Pinkbike (accidentally released prior to the embargo) video about the two new Cervelo MTBs then?
Interesting, but there's no video on the link. Can't find any other mention of it online. Was it an actual prototype of a new design, or just a debadged existing bike being tested with "prototype"stickers?
I had read that he might have been able to choose any brand owned by Pon, so probably a Santa Cruz, Focus or Cannondale.
MVDP is going to blow their mind…
I’d love to see Tom Pidcock and MVDP do a whole XCO season, rather than a couple of events before disappearing off to do something else. There aren’t many sports where athletes can come and go so easily…
@northernsoul they would need a team to compete with their wages. Just not going to happen I’m afraid.
Also need to bear in mind that they will have their own ambitions and I very much doubt a season of XCO is that high for them. I think they both want to do other things alongside mtb and good for them. Makes it interesting for folks like me who are also multiple event cyclists (in a completely different universe to those pair)
Interesting, but there’s no video on the link. Can’t find any other mention of it online. Was it an actual prototype of a new design, or just a debadged existing bike being tested with “prototype”stickers?
I thankfully managed to watch it before it got redacted! Cervelo have two MTBs in the pipeline, both built from scratch (not rebadged open mould). One hardtail and one full-sus. Both built to be very light and (very) XC geometry. No down-country bias!
I’d love to see Tom Pidcock and MVDP do a whole XCO season, rather than a couple of events before disappearing off to do something else
I suppose that is the problem with multi discipline top riders. Would have also been nice to have seen more of Pidcock and MDVP in the cross season but I don't suppose that matches their goals or maybe even money and team commitments.
has he ever mentioned why he runs his brakes reversed/euro style?
Most, if not all international riders do as replacement bikes given out following a crash or mechanical during races will be set up that way, particularly if they come from a neutral car.