'I wouldn't put me in your fantasy team' – Tom Pidcock looks to fly under the radar to result at Liège-Bastogne-Liège but he's 'not expecting any fireworks'

Tom Pidcock arrives at Liège-Bastogne-Liège cautiously optimistic but realistic about his prospects, following a challenging return from injury. The Pinarello-Q36.5 rider has recently resumed racing after a serious knee injury sustained in a crash at the Volta a Catalunya, and while he managed a stage win at the Tour of the Alps, he acknowledges he is not yet at full strength. Pidcock is intent on flying under the radar in the Ardennes Classic, recognising the dominance of top contenders such as Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, and Paul Seixas. Despite his recent top-10 finishes in the race, including a second place behind Evenepoel last year, Pidcock is tempering expectations. He openly admits he is not expecting to produce any spectacular results and prefers to quietly gauge his form amid the high-calibre field. His focus is on staying involved in the race, particularly on the decisive climb of La Redoute, where the strongest riders typically make their moves. Pidcock’s pragmatic approach reflects both his current physical condition and his desire to rebuild confidence ahead of the Tour de France. Pidcock’s candid remarks highlight the mental and physical challenges he faces as he works back to peak performance. He joked about not being a fantasy team pick for the race, underscoring his awareness of the uphill battle ahead. Nonetheless, he remains positive about the progress made since his crash, viewing participation in Liège-Bastogne-Liège as a crucial step in his recovery and preparation for the season’s next major target. The race offers him valuable racing kilometres and a chance to assess his readiness against the world’s best. Looking ahead, Pidcock is realistic about the limitations imposed by his injury but sees the race as an important milestone. With the Tour de France looming, he aims to use the experience gained in Belgium to reset and build towards peak form. His measured outlook and steady improvement suggest a rider focused on long-term success rather than immediate glory, signalling a cautious but determined return to elite competition.