Joseph Pidcock: If I deserve to go WorldTour then I’ll be there but I can’t be salty either way

British rider returns from two concussions and almost quitting to take a breakthrough win in France

After a season to forget and almost walking away the sport, Joseph Pidcock (Trinity Racing) roared back to win the final stage of the Ronde de l'Isard last weekend.

All victories are significant for a wannabe pro but this one was special for the 22-year-old after he contemplated hanging up his wheels last year after two concussions wrecked his season. And with his confidence rebuilt, the younger brother of Tom Pidcock is holding out hope for a WorldTour contract in 2025 – even if he’s not letting those dreams distract him from maintaining his momentum.

“It’s pretty cool. It’s not the biggest deal in the world but after so long of not getting it right, winning is pretty special to me. I think it proves that I can do it, it’s proof of concept because for so long I wasn’t in the game and now it feels like I’m actually racing again,” Pidcock told us during a call on Tuesday morning.

The Ronde de l'Isard is one of the most prestigious U23 races on the European calendar and previous winners in…