Tom Pidcock Enters Gravel World Championships Riding New Pinarello Bike Without Prior Course Survey —

World Championships and the Tour of Lombardy within 24 hours,despite limited preparation for the gravel event.">
World Championships, Lombardy, Cycling, Gravel Racing">
News">
October 12, 2025

Pidcock Embarks on Grueling Double: Lombardy to Gravel Worlds in under 24 Hours

Great Britain’s Tom pidcock is preparing for an unusually demanding weekend of competition, slated to race both the prestigious Tour of Lombardy and the UCI Gravel World Championships within a 24-hour span. The 2025 calendar presents a unique challenge for the former mountain bike world champion, who will be entering the Gravel World Championships with the number one bib but without prior experience on the Limburg course.

From Italian Classics to Dutch Gravel

Pidcock finished sixth in the Tour of Lombardy on Sunday before promptly traveling to the Netherlands to contest his first-ever Gravel World Championship. This event also marks his sole gravel race of the entire 2025 season, meaning he will enter the competition with substantially less specialized preparation than many of his rivals.Despite his inexperience, analysts are already positioning him as a strong contender.

A New Bike, A New Challenge

The athlete acknowledged the novelty of the situation, stating it’s “something new” and “something different” for him. He also noted the timing coincides with the launch of Pinarello’s newest gravel bike model, further influencing his decision to participate.Pidcock will be riding a custom red Dogma GR,alongside the recently released Grevil F gravel bike,both produced by Pinarello.

Tom Pidcock’s customized Pinarello Dogma GR for the Gravel World championships. (Image credit: Future)

minimal Preparation,Maximum Ambition

While the new bike is a factor,Pidcock has downplayed extensive preparation for the Gravel World Championships. His primary focus for the late season was a strong showing at the Return to Spain – were he secured third place – and he admitted to prioritizing those races over subsequent events. He candidly confessed to Cyclingnews that he hadn’t fully concentrated on the races following the Vuelta a España.

Unfamiliar Territory: The Limburg Course

Adding to the challenge, Pidcock has not had the possibility to preview the course in Limburg prior to the race. Upon arriving in Beek, he confirmed to reporters he had not seen the route and had limited time to test ride his gravel bike. He described the bike as feeling fast and similar to his road bike, attributing this to Pinarello’s design philosophy of incorporating elements from all their bicycle models.

A Continued Partnership with Pinarello

Despite his switch to Q36.5 for road racing last winter, Pidcock continues to collaborate with Pinarello for off-road disciplines. This ongoing relationship has included contributions to the development of their mountain bike and cyclo-cross designs, which have, in turn, influenced the creation of their gravel bikes. Pidcock clarified that while he didn’t directly influence the technical design of this new gravel machine, his input on previous models played a role.

Even the striking red and gold paint scheme of his bike wasn’t his idea – it was a design choice made by his girlfriend. “I don’t know [the significance], she liked them,” Pidcock stated.

Gravel Racing: A Growing Trend

gravel racing has exploded in popularity in recent years, attracting riders from various cycling disciplines. According to a report by Global Cycling Network, participation in gravel events has increased by over 140% as 2020. This growth is driven by the accessibility and versatility of gravel bikes, allowing riders to explore a wider range of terrains. The UCI Gravel World Championships, established in 2022, further legitimizes the discipline and attracts top professional cyclists.

Discipline	Bike Type	Terrain	Typical Race Distance
Road Racing	road Bike	Paved Roads	50-250km
Mountain Biking	Mountain Bike	Off-Road Trails	30-120km
Gravel Racing	Gravel Bike	mixed Terrain (Paved, gravel, Dirt)	80-200km

Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Pidcock and Gravel Racing

What is Tom Pidcock’s experience with gravel racing?

Tom Pidcock has limited experience with gravel racing, with the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships being his first official gravel race.

Why is Tom Pidcock riding a Pinarello gravel bike despite riding a Scott on the road?

Pidcock maintains a collaborative relationship with Pinarello for off-road cycling, contributing to their development of mountain bike and gravel bike designs.

What makes the UCI Gravel World Championships significant?

The UCI gravel World Championships is a prestigious event that legitimizes gravel racing as a major cycling discipline, attracting top professional cyclists.

What kind of preparation has pidcock undertaken for the Gravel World Championships?

Pidcock has admitted to minimal specific preparation, having focused primarily on the Vuelta a España and other road races earlier in the season.

Is Tom Pidcock considered a favourite in the Gravel World Championships?

Despite his lack of experience,analysts consider tom Pidcock a strong contender for the UCI Gravel World Championships due to his remarkable all-around cycling abilities.

What are your thoughts on Pidcock’s chances in the Gravel World Championships given his limited preparation? Do you think the versatility of a rider like Pidcock translates well to gravel racing?

Share your opinions and discuss in the comments below!

What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of Tom Pidcock foregoing a pre-race course survey?

Tom Pidcock, the cycling prodigy, has entered the 2025 Gravel World Championships with a bold strategy – and a brand new Pinarello bike – foregoing the conventional pre-race course reconnaissance. This decision has sent ripples through the professional cycling community,sparking debate about planning,risk,and Pidcock’s unique approach to racing.

The new Pinarello Setup: A Deep Dive

Pidcock’s switch to a new Pinarello setup for the gravel discipline is a notable development. Recent analysis (Bikeradar, 2025) reveals a departure from the Dogma F he previously utilized on the road. Details are still emerging, but key observations include:

* Frame Geometry: the new Pinarello gravel bike features a geometry optimized for rough terrain, prioritizing stability and comfort over the aggressive positioning favored on tarmac.

* Tire Clearance: Increased tire clearance allows for wider gravel tires, crucial for traction and shock absorption on challenging courses. Expect to see him running tires in the 40-45mm range.

* Componentry: While specifics are still being confirmed,expect a mix of Shimano components and potentially a power meter for data-driven performance analysis.

* Suspension: Reports suggest a possible integration of a micro-suspension system, further enhancing comfort and control on uneven surfaces.

This represents a clear commitment to gravel racing,moving beyond adapting road equipment to a purpose-built machine. The shift highlights the growing importance of specialized bikes in the burgeoning gravel scene.

The No-Recon Strategy: A Calculated Risk?

Traditionally, riders spend days, even weeks, meticulously studying the course of major championships. They identify technical sections, assess surface conditions, and plan their pacing strategy accordingly. Pidcock’s decision to skip this crucial step is unconventional, to say the least.

* Pidcock’s Rationale: Sources close to the team suggest Pidcock prefers to rely on his instinctive bike handling skills and race feel. He believes over-familiarity with the course can sometimes lead to overthinking and a less fluid ride.

* Potential Benefits: Riding “blind” can force a rider to react to the terrain in real-time, potentially leading to more dynamic and adaptable racing. it also eliminates the psychological impact of knowing exactly what challenges lie ahead.

* Potential Drawbacks: The obvious risk is encountering unexpected obstacles or technical sections unprepared, potentially leading to crashes or lost time. course knowledge is vital for efficient gear selection and energy management.

Gravel World Championships Course Considerations

The 2025 gravel World Championships course is known for its challenging terrain. While the exact route remains a closely guarded secret (adding to Pidcock’s challenge),it’s anticipated to include:

* Loose Gravel: Significant sections of loose gravel roads will test tire choice and bike handling skills.

* Technical Descents: Steep,technical descents will require precise bike control and confidence.

* Short, Punchy Climbs: Several short, sharp climbs will demand explosive power and efficient climbing technique.

* River Crossings: Potential river crossings could add an element of unpredictability and require careful navigation.

Pidcock’s Previous Gravel Successes

This isn’t the first time Pidcock has defied expectations in gravel racing. His victory at the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships demonstrated his exceptional talent and adaptability.

* 2024 Gravel Worlds: Pidcock’s aggressive riding style and ability to handle challenging terrain proved decisive in Italy.

* Unconventional Training: He’s known for incorporating diverse training methods,including mountain biking and cyclocross,to develop all-around bike handling skills.

* Mental Fortitude: Pidcock possesses a remarkable mental strength, allowing him to perform under pressure and overcome adversity.

The Impact of Bike Technology on Gravel Racing

The evolution of gravel-specific bike technology is rapidly changing the landscape of the sport.

* frame Materials: Carbon fiber remains the dominant frame material, offering a balance of stiffness, weight, and compliance.

* Wheelsets: Wider rims and tubeless tire setups are becoming increasingly popular, providing improved traction and puncture resistance.

* Gearing: Lower gear ratios are essential for tackling steep climbs and navigating technical terrain.

* Suspension Systems: Micro-suspension and adjustable seatposts are gaining traction, enhancing comfort and control.

Practical Tips for Gravel Racing

Inspired by Pidcock’s approach? Here are some tips for your own gravel adventures:

1. Tire Pressure: Experiment with tire pressure to find the optimal balance between comfort,grip,and rolling resistance.
2. Bike Fit: Ensure your bike is properly fitted to maximize comfort and efficiency.
3. Nutrition & Hydration: Plan your nutrition and hydration strategy carefully, especially for longer races.
4. Mechanical Skills: Learn basic bike maintenance skills, such as changing a flat tire and adjusting brakes.
5. Embrace the Unexpected: Gravel racing is unpredictable. Be prepared to adapt to changing conditions and unexpected challenges.

Sources:

Bikeradar. (20