Tom Pidcock relegated at Volta ao Algarve for ‘irregular sprint’, Ineos Grenadiers rider also fined

Tom Pidcock finished fifth on Stage 1 of the Volta ao Algarve but was later relegated for an “irregular sprint”.

The Ineos Grenadiers rider was a surprise participant of a bunch sprint after a 200.2km stage from Portimao to Lagos.

Stage 2 sees the peloton tackle a 186.3km ride from Sagres to Alto da Foia with Pidcock still in contention for the overall title, given his finish time was not been affected by his relegation.

Pidcock is renowned for his versatility having won an Olympic title in mountain biking, become a cyclo-cross world champion, and won a Tour de France stage on the famous Alpe d’Huez – and 2023 promises to be another big year for the Briton.

After Algarve, he is slated to contest Omloop Het Nieuwsblad as well as Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo, Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders.

“He [Pidcock] is much more complete than me,” Gilbert told Eurosport. “I wouldn’t dare compare him to me. I think he is more complete, better.

“I like the man, I know a little bit about his parents, his entourage. I can say that he is a good person so I think he will have a long career. He’s not going to make a few sparks and leave. He’s in it for the long haul and will surprise us.

“I was surprised to see him win at the Alpe d’Huez. We will never know if he won Amstel-Gold [in 2021] with this photo finish [versus Wout van Aert] but he is a rider who sprinted for the victory in the Ardennes, he won in mountain bike, in cyclo-cross and then to win at the Alpe d’Huez like that, it was impressive.

“Considering his physique today, he must be aiming for Liege-Bastogne-Liege. I think he has to do things like I did, first the Ardennes and Lombardy and then with his style, Flanders and Roubaix.”

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