'Mentally, it's super challenging' – Despite successful comeback from ravine crash, Tom Pidcock still isn't back at his best ahead of Liège-Bastogne-Liège

Tom Pidcock secured his third victory of the 2026 season by winning stage 3 of the Tour of the Alps, a timely boost ahead of the prestigious Liège-Bastogne-Liège race. Despite this success, the British rider openly acknowledged that he is still far from his peak condition following a serious crash less than a month ago at the Volta a Catalunya, where he sustained knee ligament damage. His performance was marked by early struggles, including being dropped on the first climb, but he managed to rally with the support of his Pinarello Q36.5 team to chase down breakaways and control the race, ultimately launching a decisive sprint to claim the win. Pidcock’s candid reflections revealed the mental and physical challenges he continues to face in his comeback. He described the experience as “super challenging” and contrasted his current form with the strength he displayed before his crash, noting that he was dropped early in the stage and had to fight hard just to stay in contention. His results throughout the Tour of the Alps have been mixed, with a strong second place on the opening day, a disappointing 74th on stage 2, and a victorious rebound on stage 3. The stark contrast in his performances underscores the ongoing difficulty in regaining his previous level of fitness and confidence. Despite these setbacks, Pidcock demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen, showing his mental strength by motivating his team to support him fully even when he was not at his best. His willingness to take risks, such as launching an early sprint despite concerns about timing, paid off as he managed to hold off top competitors including Egan Bernal. This ability to remain positive and competitive bodes well for his upcoming participation in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, although he remains realistic about the challenges posed by the demanding climbs that will test his current form. Looking ahead, Pidcock and his team plan to head to Belgium immediately after the Tour of the Alps to prepare for Liège-Bastogne-Liège, one of the season’s key Ardennes Classics. While he is unlikely to be at the same level as rivals like Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, or Paul Seixas, his recent performances suggest steady progress. The coming days will be crucial as he continues to rebuild strength and confidence, with hopes that his form will improve enough to contend in one of cycling’s most prestigious one-day races.