Tom Pidcock to make earlier than expected return at Tour of the Alps, aiming at Liège-Bastogne-Liège after dramatic crash

Tom Pidcock is set to make a quicker-than-anticipated return to racing at the Tour of the Alps, just 24 days after a dramatic crash at the Volta a Catalunya. The British rider, who had suffered bone and ligament damage to his knee and wrist after falling into a ravine during a high-speed ascent, had initially been expected to miss several weeks of competition. His Pinarello-Q36.5 team confirmed on Saturday that Pidcock will use the demanding five-day Italian-Austrian stage race as preparation for the prestigious Liège-Bastogne-Liège, scheduled for the following Sunday. Prior to his accident, Pidcock had been in strong form, securing two victories in 2026, including a win at Milano-Torino, and was sitting second overall in Catalunya. The Ardennes Classics, particularly Liège-Bastogne-Liège, have been a key focus of his season, and while the crash disrupted his plans, his recovery has progressed well. Pidcock himself expressed optimism on social media, noting that he was pleased to still be able to compete in one of the Ardennes races despite the injury setback. His return to competition will be carefully monitored, with his team assessing his knee’s response to racing conditions on a day-by-day basis. The Tour of the Alps presents an ideal opportunity for Pidcock to regain race rhythm on a challenging course featuring punchy climbs and varied terrain. The Pinarello-Q36.5 squad will support him with a balanced and experienced lineup, including riders such as Chris Harper, who is also returning from injury, Matteo Badilatti, Walter Calzoni, Mark Donovan, and Damien Howson. The team aims to remain competitive across the stages while using the event as a benchmark for Pidcock’s fitness ahead of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Pidcock’s early return highlights not only his resilience but also the effectiveness of his recovery and rehabilitation programme. His coach, Kurt Bogaerts, had previously cautioned against setting a firm date for his comeback, emphasising the uncertainty surrounding his injury. Now, with the Tour of the Alps on the horizon, the focus shifts to how well Pidcock can perform under race conditions and whether he can translate this form into a strong showing at one of cycling’s oldest and most demanding one-day races.