Tom Pidcock and Ineos Grenadiers at breaking point

Rider takes to social media after unexplained Il Lombardia de-selection

Tom Pidcock’s future at Ineos Grenadiers has been plunged into further doubt after the rider was de-selected for Il Lombardia without reason.

The British rider was initially set to race the final Monument of the season but according to Pidcock, his bosses informed him that he was no longer part of the team’s plans for the race. He was replaced by teammate Ethan Hayter. We understand that the call to replace Pidcock came from the very top at Ineos Grenadiers.

On Friday evening Pidcock took to Instagram to share his side of the events.

“Just as things were on the up after a turbulent end to the year I am deselected for Lombardia tomorrow. I am in great shape and was really looking forward to it! Good luck to the boys, I guess off season starts early. Thanks for everyone’s support even in the tough times 👊,” he wrote under a picture of himself standing on the podium at Giro dell'Emilia having finished second behind world champion Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates).

Pidcock added no further details as to the timing of his de-selection or the reasons behind it. Meanwhile, soon after the post appeared we heard rumours that the rider had been released by the team. His agent was approached and denied that Pidcock’s contract had been terminated. He only added that the rider “was de-selected with no reason given.”