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Tom Pidcock has confirmed that he will miss the 2025 edition of the Tour de France after joining Q36.5 Pro Cycling following the termination of his contract with Ineos Grenadiers.
Pidcock is set to ride for the Swiss-based team this season after a messy end to his time at Ineos.
The double Olympic mountain bike champion clashed with the team on several occasions during 2024, and has opted for pastures new as he looks to rebuild his career on the road.
A drop down to a Pro Tour level outfit means that Pidcock will be sighted less often in the biggest races on the calendar, with the second-tier Q36.5 requiring wildcards or invites to events.
And while the profile of the British rider should boost their chances of appearing regularly, a Tour de France bid is off the table with Pidcock instead hoping to return to the race in 2026.
“We’ll have a year out from the Tour and try to get to the Tour 2026,” the 25-year-old confirmed to BBC Sport. “I’m happy I’ve got a year out from it… a break. When I come back it’ll be with a refreshed energy.
“We don’t have full control over the calendar – we have to get invited [to races.] But in theory we should have all the races that I want to do.”
Pidcock has endured ups and downs at cycling’s most prestigious Grand Tour, with a stunning win on Alpe d’Huez in 2022 announcing his arrival at the Tour with a demon display of descending skill and climbing talent.
A high finish in the general classification is yet to materialise, though, as the multi-talented rider continued to balance his efforts on the road with other disciplines including cyclo-cross.
Pidcock will begin his season and career at Q36.5 at the five-stage AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia on 28 January.
