Ineos Grenadiers have responded to Tom Pidcock’s feedback that he was “deselected” from Il Lombardia regardless of being in good kind, stating that it was a “administration choice” and never one primarily based on efficiency.
“I imply, these are Tom’s phrases. Clearly, I am not silly – it does look unusual, however, the truth is that the group has the correct to pick the group they really feel suits it,” stated Ineos sports activities director Zak Dempster to Cyclingnews forward of the beginning of Il Lombardia in Bergamo.
“That is all the data I’ve in the meanwhile. it was a administration choice on the ultimate group, that is their proper and right here we’re with out Tom.
“We’ve a course of in place the place we have now an extended listing of riders after which these last seven names that go on the listing – it may be a efficiency choice, and on this case, it was a administration choice.”
Pidcock was on account of head into the ultimate Monument of the season as one of many riders to observe behind heavy favorite Tadej Pogačar (UAE Workforce Emirates), after taking second behind him on the Giro dell’Emilia and ending fifteenth at Thursday’s Gran Piemonte.
Nevertheless, it was revealed on Friday that he wouldn’t be current after Ineos bosses determined to omit him, prompting the 25-year-old to take to Instagram and categorical his emotions.
“Simply as issues have been on the up after a turbulent finish to the 12 months I’m deselected for Lombardia tomorrow,” Pidcock wrote.
“I’m in nice form and was actually wanting ahead to it! Good luck to the boys, I suppose off season begins early. Thanks for everybody’s assist even within the powerful occasions.”
Pidcock’s future has been plunged additional into doubt all through the previous few months, regardless of being contracted with the British group till 2027, nonetheless, Dempster was cautious to not touch upon whether or not the rumours contributed to the deselection.
“Clearly, I learn the press too, you realize? And it is a unusual incidence earlier than a Monument. I haven’t got any extra info, so it is actually tough for me to remark,” stated Dempster.
“My job on the bottom is to get the most effective out of those youngsters and put them on their bikes and attempt to get them to the end line first, and Tom’s not a part of that choice in the present day.”
With out Pidcock, Ineos Grenadiers began Il Lombardia early on Saturday with Ethan Hayter, Thymen Arensman, Jonathan Castroviejo, Brandon Rivera, Ben Swift, Connor Swift and Ben Turner.
