When Tom Pidcock describes the sensation of pursuing the finest cyclist of his era his words create such a clear image you can nearly sense the exhaustion from Tadej Pogacar's jersey.

Yet while reflecting on their intense battle at the Milan-San Remo classic in March and the moment a battered Pogacar surged ahead on the last ascent Pidcock cannot help but grin.

Up the Poggio while tracking his move it felt like chasing a zombie he notes. White skinsuit white shorts torn and bloodied he is a demon. It was remarkable.

Pogacar's ride stood out even more because he had fallen 30km from the end. Still as others faded Pidcock pressed on through the drop and onto the Via Roma where both riders elbows and wheels swung wildly side to side.

Heartbreak followed as Pidcock lost a 297km race by just four centimetres. He crashed yet still dropped the entire field except me he says mixing admiration with surprise. We sprinted for victory at the line. I felt quite let down by the narrow margin.

Honestly I gained huge respect for him after that. He could have quit easily but got up and claimed the win. That was truly special.

But what about fans who find Pogacar's control dull? Should they simply admire his skill? You have to accept it Pidcock answers. Yet they have a point do they not?

The reply captures Pidcock perfectly. Amid scripted comments and media coaching the 26-year-old stands out as a bold road racer and honest free thinker away from competition.

At one stage I mention Liz Truss also attended his old school Roundhay in Leeds and spoke poorly of it.

Liz Truss who was she he asks.

She served as prime minister.

Oh right the one who lasted three weeks?

A little longer yet still shorter than a lettuce.

She must blame her brief career on something he replies. I enjoyed the school.

Elsewhere I query if google.ai correctly tags him as an Arsenal supporter. An Arsenal fan? I know nothing about football comes his direct answer.

With a month until the Tour de France Pidcock appears settled a contrast to his plunge into a ravine at the Volta a Catalunya in late March.

He climbed out and tackled the 16km climb to the line despite a stress fracture in his tibia torn knee ligaments and bad bruising. Why continue?

It is odd well it was not amusing. Once out of the ditch I could remount and pedal a bit. My shoulder elbow and hand hurt first. I thought I had broken something but maybe not so I will finish the stage.

By hospital my knee had swollen badly and I could not walk. I was fortunate it did not worsen with all the bruising.

A month later he returned at the Tour of the Alps winning a stage then added a fifth win at the Nove Mesto mountain bike event.

I had a long rest nine days with no activity which I rarely take even off season he says. Yet I felt fine on the bike. OK let us race why not? It takes nerve as I am watched closely. If I underperform people notice.

Does he grow from challenges? He nods. At the Tokyo Olympics I fractured my collarbone six weeks prior. When issues arise I focus sharply and perform at my peak.

Attention now turns to the Tour where Pidcock at 22 became the youngest winner on Alpe d'Huez in 2022. He recalls the day fondly after overtaking Chris Froome and pulling clear with 10km left.

The Alpe d'Huez felt great he says. Leading past the crowds it was one of those perfect moments.

What crossed his mind on the 21 bends? Embrace the pain. I keep working on that. You can sprint briefly at threshold but think another minute it drags. Instead take it minute by minute corner by corner. It helps with thousands yelling close by.

He recalls another detail from his debut Tour. After the stage 20 time trial we paused in a small town where Luke Rowe got a big crate of beers and I bought biscuits and Magnums since I rarely drink he smiles. It was pleasant. Then we raced Paris the next day on the toughest circuit. You feel done but it stays hard and uneven.

Does he fear crashes in the Tour? No it comes with the job. Errors occur. With good positioning you often sense trouble ahead. Strong riders stay forward and safer. At the back you avoid issues. The middle is risky with no escape if a crash hits.

It mirrors driving. Skilled drivers foresee problems.

How often do you enter that risky middle spot? Not much. Better to stay back then move forward quickly. Some fight to hold 50th which is the worst spot.

Pidcock descends well without fear. He has done Red Bull stunts like hitting 71mph behind a motorbike yet dismisses the idea that top road riders must be reckless.

Downhill racers are the wild ones. They risk big falls but that suits them. On roads 150 others can cause uncontrolled harm.

Pidcock thinks fans misunderstand pro cycling. The dedication sacrifice and effort to reach the top is huge. Anything beyond training or rest affects results. Going out to eat means fat salt and poor choices. It is far from ordinary life.

His fiancee Bethany usually cooks but when he does he prepares rice vegetables and protein separately with soy sauce salt and pepper.

Off the bike he enjoys Formula One mountain bike races over road running and runs in winter.

He is such a strong athlete that during lockdown Strava noted a 5km run in 13 minutes 25 seconds fast enough for an Olympic final. Though the distance proved inaccurate Pidcock would like another try at a fast time.

I wanted to attempt it again but never did. I run some but less now as good shoes are hard to find. Fast ones cause shin splints while bulky ones slow you like boots.

Pidcock feels far happier since joining Swiss team Pinarello-Q36.5 after leaving Ineos at the end of 2024. I am much more content. It was no secret things were not right at Ineos. We parted well and my results show the change.

Did beating Ineos rider Egan Bernal in the Tour of the Alps bring extra joy? No comment.

It is a rare closed reply but he turns thoughtful on why he does not crave a Grand Tour win to match his two Olympic mountain bike golds.

The Grand Tour goal does not thrill me much though it would be an achievement. Winning one would rank as my career highlight since focusing for three weeks challenges me.

Yet I aim to win the road worlds. That would give me all three disciplines. Gravel worlds too but I would not mind if it slips. I want a monument. And I target three Olympic medals. My plan is to end after five Olympics retiring post 2036 Games.

That offers another decade at elite level. After third in last year's Vuelta more focus will fall on him at the Tour starting in Barcelona in July. He believes he can compete with Pogacar Jonas Vingegaard and young talent Paul Seixas and secure a Grand Tour later.

Every success I have pictured first before achieving it. Nothing has come by chance. With that foundation I know another podium is possible.

I do not claim current ability to top Tadej Seixas or Vingegaard. But in the right conditions I see it happening. And with those conditions a Grand Tour win can follow.