Tom Pidcock has been introduced as a shock last-minute addition to Ineos Grenadiers’ Paris-Roubaix line-up.Â
In a video posted on the staff’s social media channels, the Brit was proven stepping out of a automotive and smiling, saying “Roubaix child”. He’ll be part of Josh Tarling, Ben Turner, Connor Swift, Ben Swift, AJ August and Elia Viviani on the race on Sunday.Â
Information of Pidcock’s participation comes simply days after he mentioned he was unable to bear weight on his proper leg following a crash at Itzulia Basque Nation.Â
The 24-year-old withdrew from the race forward of the primary stage on Monday after he crashed in a recon trip of the opening time trial. He went to hospital in Spain for examination, the place scans revealed he had suffered no fractures.Â
“The wind took me out on one of many corners on the circuit,” Pidcock mentioned in a video launched by his staff. “I’ve hit my hip fairly arduous and I can not bear any weight on it in any respect.”
The Brit later posted an replace on his Instagram, writing that he “at present can not weight bear on my proper leg” and that he was awaiting additional scans.
Now, simply days later, Pidcock is about to make his debut within the elite race at Paris-Roubaix.Â
The most recent race content material, interviews, options, opinions and skilled shopping for guides, direct to your inbox!
“I recovered actually fast,” he mentioned in a video shared on Saturday morning. “We did some extra scans and I used to be assured nothing was mistaken. A little bit of ache isn’t any downside.Â
“I’ve really had fairly a great week’s coaching. I did not miss an excessive amount of,” he added. “Now I am right here at Roubaix, in my favorite race of all, which I have not executed as a professional but, so I am excited.”Â
Regardless of by no means having raced the Monument as knowledgeable, Pidcock has skilled victory over the cobbles twice already. In 2017, aged 17, he gained Paris-Roubaix juniors, attacking solo within the race and following within the footsteps of fellow Brits Geraint Thomas and Andy Fenn.
He then went on to win the under-23 race two years later, once more crossing the road alone, to turn into the primary British winner within the occasion at that degree.Â
It’s unsure at this stage whether or not Pidcock will line up within the race as one in all Ineos Grenadiers’ protected leaders. Among the many favourites for victory in Roubaix are the defending champion, Mathieu van der Poel, his Alpecin-Deceuninck team-mate, Jasper Philipsen, and Lidl-Trek’s Mads Pedersen.Â
Talking forward of the occasion, Van der Poel, who gained the Tour of Flanders final weekend, mentioned profitable could be a “bonus” for him in an already profitable 12 months.
The 259.9km race is scheduled to begin in Compiègne, France this Sunday at 11:25 CET (10:25 BST).
Roubaix child!Our lineup is full for Sunday.Welcome @tompidcock 😎 pic.twitter.com/FzFLEylDCXApril 6, 2024
See extra