Here’s a bold statement: Tom Pidcock’s approach to the UCI Gravel World Championships was anything but conventional—and it’s exactly what makes his story so fascinating. But here’s where it gets controversial: while most riders obsess over every detail months in advance, Pidcock rolled up to Maastricht with a bike he’d barely ridden, narrow tires that raised eyebrows, and a shrug-worthy attitude about tire pressure. Was this reckless, or the mark of a champion who trusts his instincts? Let’s dive in.
The British cycling phenom arrived in Belgium less than 24 hours after finishing sixth at Il Lombardia, a grueling road race known for its punishing climbs. With little time to prepare, Pidcock openly admitted he hadn’t tested his Pinarello Dogma GR—a bike he’d chosen specifically for the gravel event. For a rider known for his meticulousness, this seemed like a risky gamble. Yet, there he was, fine-tuning his saddle angle and computer mount in the pits, as if winging it was part of the plan.
And this is the part most people miss: Pidcock’s bike choice itself was a strategic statement. While he races on Scott bikes for road events, his contract allows him to ride Pinarellos for gravel and mountain biking. His decision to go with the Dogma GR over the endurance-focused Dogma X or the road-race Dogma F hinted at his priorities: speed and agility over comfort. The Dogma GR, with its aerodynamic design and race-oriented geometry, was built for the endless corners and fast, firm terrain of the Gravel Worlds course.
His tire choice further underscored this strategy. Opting for 35 mm tires—narrow by today’s gravel standards—Pidcock seemed to bet on a quick, smooth ride rather than traction in loose conditions. Most riders spend hours testing tire pressure and width, but Pidcock’s approach was refreshingly pragmatic: show up, line up, and trust his instincts. Is this the sign of a genius, or a recipe for disaster? That’s up for debate.
Despite the uncertainty, Pidcock remained unfazed. When asked about comparisons to Strade Bianche, a race he’s won, he brushed it off with a joke about the number of Belgians in the field. With just 1,600 meters of climbing over 180 km—less than half of Strade Bianche’s elevation—this race was about raw speed, not attrition. For Pidcock, the weekend was a study in extremes: one day conquering 4,000 meters of climbing in Lombardy, the next tackling gravel roads in the Netherlands on tires barely wider than his thumb.
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Does Pidcock’s unconventional approach challenge the notion that success in cycling requires obsessive preparation, or is he simply an outlier whose talent allows him to bend the rules? Let us know in the comments. One thing’s for sure: his performance at Gravel Worlds—and his choice of the Pinarello Dogma GR—will keep fans and critics talking for a long time.
